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.