Cristiano Ronaldo pictured training ahead of United v Middlesbrough
Some of the players, notably Cristiano Ronaldo, have had some rest since their previous outing, a late 1-0 victory over West Ham.
He was in Dubai with other Manchester United players such as Diogo Dalot, Marcus Rashford, and Bruno Fernandes.
But, for the first time since the mini-international break, he has been spotted working with United ahead of the encounter with Chris Wilder’s side.
Ronaldo missed the previous round’s 1-0 triumph over Aston Villa due to a hip injury, but he could be called upon to assist United advance to the fifth round.
There was also some excellent fitness news. Paul Pogba continued to practice, but Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka returned to the field after brief absences.
Shaw has been injured, and Wan-Bissaka has been unwell, but their returns present Ralf Rangnick with a selection conundrum at full-back.
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Jadon Sancho returned to training after missing recent matches due to a family matter, and Phil Jones was also present after turning down a deadline-day release to join Bordeaux.
Shola Shoretire was also spotted ahead of a game in which Rangnick can use five substitutes, potentially offering further opportunities to test some youth if the game goes well.
This is a big game for United, and anything less than a positive performance and result will see some of the momentum gained last month erode.
United will represent a stronger goal threat with Ronaldo back in the lineup, and he may be required to lead the line with Edinson Cavani returning from international duty and Anthony Martial currently on loan to Sevilla.
