Man United boss Ten Hag 'hoping' for huge double fitness boost for Southampton game

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is reportedly optimistic that he will be able to select Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw in his squad for the team's next game against Southampton.

Hojlund is yet to feature for the Red Devils this season, with the Denmark international suffering a hamstring injury during pre-season, while Shaw has also been absent this term due to a calf issue.

Man United released images of Hojlund back in training last week, though, and according to the Manchester Evening News, the forward is on course to make his first appearance of the season against Southampton on September 14.

The report claims that Shaw also has a chance of being available, with the left-back believed to be in the latter stages of his recovery from the calf problem that he suffered during a pre-season training session.

Hojlund, Shaw could return against Southampton

Hojlund scored against Arsenal in his first appearance of the summer, but he was forced off the field shortly after due to a hamstring issue, with Man Untied suffering a big fitness blow ahead of the new season.

The 21-year-old, who was handed the number nine shirt at the club over the summer, scored 16 goals in 43 appearances for the Red Devils last term, including 10 in 30 Premier League outings.

"Rasmus Hojlund has continued his rehabilitation at Carrington, as the Manchester United forward bids to return from injury," read a statement on Man United's official website ahead of the Liverpool game.

"Rasmus has been working hard in the gym as he eyes a return to fitness, with our cameras capturing his individual progress as he trained on his own away from the first team."

Will Ugarte make his debut against Southampton?

Ugarte was not registered in time to be in the squad against Liverpool, but even if that had been the case, he may not have been involved due to his lack of football this season.

The midfielder is now with the Uruguay squad, though, and he could receive valuable minutes in their World Cup qualification matches against Paraguay and Venezuela.

Ugarte is likely to start both of those fixtures, which would put him in a strong position to make his debut for Man United in their trip to struggling Southampton after the international break.

Casemiro's starting role would be in doubt if Ugarte is included against the Saints, with the latter replaced at the interval of the 3-0 loss to Liverpool last time out after a difficult opening 45 minutes.