Manchester United have been handed a triple injury boost ahead of their Europa League match with Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday night, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire and Donny van de Beek returning to training at Carrington. United have been without all three for several weeks and the return of Maguire is particularly welcome news after Raphael Varane limped off against Chelsea on Saturday.

No official timeframe has yet been given for Varane’s lay-off- although early reports suggest his problem is not as bad as first feared – but Wan-Bissaka, Maguire and Van de Beek could soon be available for selection after the trio were put through their paces on Tuesday morning, having previously been restricted to individual work.

Wan-Bissaka, 24, was made available during the summer transfer window and has only made one cameo from the bench this campaign. However, with games continuing to come thick and fast, his is a welcome return to help ease the workload on Portugal international Diogo Dalot.

That is a similar case with Maguire – now that Varane is out injured – as the returning £80million captain competes with Victor Lindel of for the right to partner Lisandro Martinez at the back. Maguire, 29, picked up an injury while he was away on England duty last month.

As for Van de Beek, meanwhile, the former Ajax midfielder has been restricted to 19 minutes on the pitch this term. He has been promised chances by Ten Hag moving forward, although the Dutchman first had to prove his fitness to his compatriot after initially returning to Carrington for individual training on the grass

Erik ten Hag will be glad to have the three players back to the squad as he wants as many players fit as possible with fixtures coming in thick and fast into the season.