Manchester United are relying on two players to save their season

The old adage that players get better when they're not available is certainly true for plenty in this Manchester United side this season, especially in recent weeks as Erik ten Hag has struggled to conceal his frustration at a nightmare campaign for injuries and absences.

It's a fair point for Ten Hag to raise, even if it doesn't offer enough mitigation for the level of performances delivered so far in 2023/24, but the picture is also improving at the moment.

The reaction to the sight of Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro taking a full part in training on Wednesday was like mythical beasts had been spotted at Carrington. Like Ten Hag, supporters are desperate to cling to any hope that an upturn in fortunes is around the corner, and the sight of two of last season's best players back in contention is one to raise the spirits.

ALSO READ: INEOS have 13 players to build a squad around

ALSO READ: Try our MUFC Pro app with amazing new offer

That enthusiasm does overlook the fact Casemiro has already played 12 times this season and has looked like a player who has been overtaken by age this summer. Had injury not struck and performances had continued to plateau, then an exit in January wasn't beyond the realms of possibility. The three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract could quickly weigh United down if he doesn't rediscover the form that was so essential to the success of Ten Hag's first season.

Ten Hag will hope that the influential Brazilian has benefitted from the rest, having missed the last two months with injury. That has provided him a chance to press the reset button, forget what happened earlier in the season and work on his fitness. It took him time to get up speed after joining from Real Madrid in 2022, but