Erik ten Hag has reiterated Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia could all be available for selection by the end of January.
United have been plagued by injury concerns this season and they have been without multiple first-team players for large portions of the campaign, but January has been earmarked for a handful of returns.
Casemiro (hamstring) and Martinez (foot) have been long-term absentees and should return to fitness by the end of the month. ALSO READ: United extend three players' contracts ALSO READ: Four players must respond to criticism Malacia is another who has been absent for an extended period following two rounds of knee surgery and he is understood to be on track in his recovery, hence why Sergio Reguilon was sent back to Tottenham.
Mount (calf) and Maguire (not specified) are shorter-term absentees and have not played since November 11 and December 12 respectively but both are closing in on a return to fitness.