Erik ten Hag has vowed not to take any risks with Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount after the pair returned to Manchester United training.
Hojlund hasn't played at all this season since picking up an injury during the summer, while Mount's last appearance came in the second week of the campaign, but both were back in training this week and are in line to return in Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace.
However, having seen both players miss extended periods last season through injury, Ten Hag is determined to give them as much time as possible to get back up to speed and is confident that his side is strong enough to be able to proceed with caution.
"We hope we can integrate them in a very careful way," Ten Hag said.
"You have to be careful in top football. You always go to boundaries. It's not avoidable but when you have a full squad available then it's easier to manage the load than when you are in circumstances like last season and there is a need to play. Then we had to overload them.
"It's very good news they are back on the pitch, they are back in team training. We have to decide whether they are fit enough to start but it is very pleasing they are fit and back in the squad."
United do still have a handful of injury issues to contend with. Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia and Victor Lindelof remain sidelined but Ten Hag's squad remains in strong shape ahead of the Palace clash.
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