Ruben Amorim demands more as Man Utd hit Wolves for four
Ruben Amorim has challenged his Manchester United players to raise their standards after they secured a dominant 4-1 Premier League victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Matthijs de Ligt, Benjamin Sesko near Man Utd return ahead of Bournemouth game
United climbed to sixth after a convincing 4-1 win away to Wolves on Monday night, but the demanding festive schedule will stretch their resources, particularly as three first-team players depart for Africa Cup of Nations duty.
De Ligt, who has missed the last two matches, had initially been expected to feature against Wolves, suggesting his setback was not serious. He may now return in time to face Bournemouth, with a more definitive update due at Friday afternoon's press conference.
Sesko, meanwhile, has stepped up his rehabilitation by returning to training on grass following the knee injury he suffered last month.
Originally ruled out for around four weeks, the striker could be available for one of next week's fixtures, with 21 December's trip to Aston Villa the most realistic return date.
Harry Maguire remains a longer-term absentee. The defender has missed the past four matches after sustaining a hamstring injury in the draw with Tottenham Hotspur and has yet to resume training.
He is unlikely to return before Boxing Day, with 26 December's home match against Newcastle United set as a provisional target.
Bournemouth, currently 13th, visit Old Trafford knowing victory could lift them as high as third, while defeat may drop them back into the bottom half.
Ruben Amorim: Wolves will be 'tough', every game is difficult for Man Utd
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim admits it will be challenging against winless Wolves, following another missed opportunity in their pursuit of a European place.
Ruben Amorim rages as Man Utd throw away lead in draw with West Ham
Ruben Amorim cut a furious figure at Old Trafford as Manchester United surrendered another lead in a 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened West Ham on Thursday night.
Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo could miss up to seven Man Utd games while at AFCON
Manchester United will be without stars Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo for a significant number of matches when they leave for the Africa Cup of Nations later in December.