Ten Hag receives major boost with Man Utd star back training

Manchester United star Antony has returned to training following a knock that kept him out of the game against Bournemouth, according to reports.

The news comes at the perfect time for Erik ten Hag who faces Everton next in the FA Cup, a side they haven't beaten in their last three meetings.

The Red Devils have hit a purple patch in recent weeks, winning their last four matches and recording four clean sheets along the way.

However, their schedule is about to get far trickier, as they face league leaders Arsenal and local rivals Manchester City in their next two Premier League games.

And Antony will no doubt be a big part of Ten Hag's plans heading into the action. The Brazilian was on the scoresheet last time they played Arsenal in the league, as his side became the only team to taste victory over Arsenal since the beginning of the campaign.

Despite many managers planning to rest key players during the FA Cup, Ten Hag will be desperate to get the better of his bogey team as he seeks his first piece of silverware as manager.

Manchester United injury news

Donny van de Beek was also seen limping off the field against Bournemouth, making Antony's return even more crucial. Meanwhile, the boss expects Anthony Martial to shrug off a knock he picked up during the 3-0 win.

22-year-old Jadon Sancho is also sidelined due to a lack of match fitness after being left out of Gareth Southgate's World Cup plans.

Marcus Rashford has stolen the headlines at Old Trafford recently, having scored four goals in his last four matches. However, there is plenty of room for another hero, especially since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudia Arabian side Al Nasr.

Antony signed from Ajax in the summer for a fee in the region of £86million, making him the second most expensive player the club have signed behind Paul Pogba.

It was thought that Ten Hag's personal relationship with the player was crucial, having previously managed him at the Dutch club.