Manchester United beat Tottenham 3-2 over the weekend to bolster their odds of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League, but the focus immediately shifted towards their midweek game in Europe.
There is no time to rest for the Red Devils as Ralf Rangnick's men are gearing up for a crucial showdown with Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. This second leg tie is scheduled to take place at Old Trafford as the English giants look to continue their momentum and win this round of 16 affair to book their ticket to the quarterfinals.
To make things even better for Manchester United, the home side have received a huge boost ahead of Tuesday's showdown. Star midfielder Bruno Fernandes has returned to training and is now back in contention to feature against Diego Simeone's men.
The Portuguese talent was one of many key absentees during the 3-2 victory over Spurs. While Cristiano Ronaldo stole the show in his countryman's absence, scoring a brilliant hat-trick to secure the three points, Rangnick will be relieved to have his playmaker back available.
Bruno Fernandes trained for Manchester United today, per @SimonPeach
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 14, 2022
After missing Saturday's game vs. Spurs because of COVID-19, he could be back for Tuesday's Champions League second leg vs. Atlético. pic.twitter.com/aGnMpni3aL
Bruno Fernandes has recovered from Covid-19 and reported for training. Luke Shaw was also at Carrington on Monday morning. Both players stayed on site after arriving. [Samuel Luckhurst, MEN]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) March 14, 2022
The initial explanation for Fernandes' no-show in Saturday's victory was illness. However, the interim boss later explained that the former Sporting CP sensation had contracted COVID-19 and thus could not feature against Conte's side.
However, the Portuguese midfielder has made a speedy recovery, producing a negative result on Sunday only to return to training on Monday morning, meaning he could be back for the Atletico game. This will be crucial as Bruno's talent is undeniable. Despite disappointing in the first leg, the 27-year-old still managed to deliver in the decisive moment, assisting Elanga for the equalizer to rescue a 1-1 draw.
Fernandes wasn't the only injury-battling player spotted at Carrington. Luke Shaw was also present at the grounds, but unfortunately for the Englishman, an element of doubt surrounds his availability for the 2nd leg.