Exclusive: Manchester United have two ‘key players’ back from injury to aid Champions League push

Manchester United have been told two ‘key players’ can help to push them on in pursuit of Champions League qualification after returning from injury.

United’s elimination from Europe in December means they can only qualify for next season’s Champions League through their final Premier League position.

United have won five of their last seven games in all competitions, including Sunday’s routine win over West Ham at Old Trafford, when youngsters Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho both scored.

Experienced heads back in the fold

However, it is two rather more experienced players who Arsenal legend Alan Smith believes could be key to their form in the run-in.

“I did the game on Sunday against West Ham when Hojlund and Garnacho got the goals and that’s going to give them a great lift,” Smith told Dexerto on behalf of NewBettingOffers.co.uk.

“There are things to fix elsewhere but they’re getting some key players back. Luke Shaw and Casemiro are coming into it, a bit more solidity and experience, so I think United are capable of going on a run now.

Smith spoke to Dexerto about United’s recent good form

“They have been so up and down, so unpredictable, but they’ve got it in them to go on a run.

“Hojlund can score goals, I am a big fan of his and they’ll be thinking maybe we can clamber up now and possibly get into the top four, or top five, maybe it’s five places for the Champions League – we’ll wait and see – but there’ll be a bit more hope in that dressing room than there was, I think.”