Eric Bailly returns to Manchester United training

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has returned to training following the knee injury he sustained in the win over Crystal Palace earlier this month.

Bailly was forced off early in the second half of the 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in what was his first league start in almost two months following a separate knee injury.

Manager Jose Mourinho revealed last week that the Ivorian would not require surgery on the problem, and the centre-back was today back in training with the rest of the team.

Bailly could return to the side for the Boxing Day clash with Sunderland at Old Trafford and, failing that, should be fit in time to face Middlesbrough on New Year's Eve.

The 22-year-old has just three matches left before he is expected to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations.