Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is hoping for a turnaround in fortunes as the club prepares for a critical Premier League fixture against Southampton this Saturday.

After a challenging start to the season, with just one win from three games, Ten Hag finds himself under early pressure to deliver results. However, the Dutchman has been handed a timely boost with the potential return of three key players: Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, and Rasmus Hojlund.

Rasmus Hojlund, who has been sidelined since July due to a thigh injury sustained during a pre-season match against Arsenal, has made significant progress in his recovery.

The Danish striker has recently resumed training and could feature in the squad for the trip to Southampton.

However, given his recent return to fitness, Hojlund is expected to start on the bench, with in-form striker Joshua Zirkzee likely to lead the line once again.

Luke Shaw is also on the verge of making his return to the first team. The left-back has been absent from action since February and has yet to play for United this season.

After representing England in the latter stages of the European Championship, Shaw was anticipated to be ready for the new campaign.

However, just days before United's Premier League opener against Fulham, the club confirmed that Shaw had suffered a calf injury, ruling him out of the early fixtures. Now fully recovered, Shaw is expected to be in contention for a starting spot against Southampton.

Victor Lindelof, who has been nursing a toe injury, is another player expected to be available for selection. The Swedish defender, who was linked with a move away from Old Trafford during the transfer window, remained at the club due to his injury.

Now fully fit, Lindelof could be an option for Ten Hag as he looks to shore up United’s defense. However, it remains to be seen whether the former Benfica player will be included in the starting lineup against Southampton.