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Erik ten Hag issues positive Lisandro Martinez update as Manchester United boss ‘optimistic’ for duo

 (Manchester United via Getty Imag)
(Manchester United via Getty Imag)

Erik ten Hag is “optimistic” Lisandro Martinez and Scott McTominay will be fit for Manchester United’s midweek match with Bournemouth.

Several players who featured in the World Cup final have already returned to Premier League action and Argentine defender Martinez is back in training ahead of Tuesday’s game.

“We have to see,” Ten Hag said, with McTominay previously suffering from illness.

“Both were training yesterday and today, so I am quite optimistic about [them] returning to the squad, both of them.”

Martinez could replace Luke Shaw in the United line-up, the left-back having moved to central defence in his absence.

That left Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof on the bench at Molineux, a decision which Ten Hag explained on Monday.

“You have a plan, sometimes it changes by circumstances like illnesses; Casemiro did well at centre-half, like Shaw against Forest,” continued the Dutchman.

“The way we were to approach Wolves, I thought it was the best match with Rafa (Varane) and Luke, you know the speed of Wolves over the right side and he could cover that.

“We wanted to attack on the left side with an offensive game from Tyrell Malacia and, in possession with a left footer, you get better angles on the pitch. He was impressing but he is also good as a left full-back. It's an extra option which is always good.”

Diogo Dalot is one player who will not feature against Bournemouth after Ten Hag said he will not “take risks” despite the full-back “making progress” on his return from a hamstring injury.