Players Returning Makes Us Stronger

Manchester United stars Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera have heralded the importance of key men returning from injury as the Reds head into a hectic schedule of fixtures.

Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo have all made their respective comebacks from injury in recent matches, and Pogba and Ibrahimovic both featured in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford, while Rojo was an unused substitute. And it hopefully won't be long before Michael Carrick returns following his statement about his health on Friday.

Rashford – who played 79 minutes against the Seagulls before being replaced by Marouane Fellaini - admitted it’s difficult seeing your team-mates on the treatment table, but having them back on the pitch has given everyone a boost.

"Not even just thinking about football, but thinking about them personally too, it’s hard to see your team-mates out for so long," he told MUTV. "To have them all back now has brought a really happy vibe to the squad.

"I’m sure they’re all really happy to be back playing again, and if we can keep winning with them in the team, it keeps everything rolling on."

Herrera was also keen to emphasise the importance of having a fully fit squad: "It’s great to have them back and, with them [in the squad], we are stronger," he said. "Marcos was amazing against Basel – you cannot see the difference between before the injury and now, he's worked fantastically hard to come back.

"Zlatan is going step by step because the injury he had was even worse, and Mike [Carrick] is going to be back soon, too. With them, we are stronger, and, with them back, we are optimistic of fighting for every title this season."

The Spanish midfielder has made 17 appearances this term, and he confessed he is relishing this busy spell, which will give everyone in the squad a chance to make their mark.

"I think it’s the best thing you can have," he said. "As a footballer, you want to play as many games as possible, you want to be part of the team always. We have a lot of players, a lot of quality and a lot of games, so it’s fantastic for all of us."

Rashford agreed, adding: "It's great to have all the games and, while we prefer to take it one game at a time when it’s so busy, by the time it gets to Christmas, it calms down a bit and you can start to see pathways to certain tournaments and certain trophies."