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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Daniel Murphy

Cristiano Ronaldo's new protege and four more things spotted in Manchester United training

Manchester United have stepped up their preparations for their final game of the season.

A quirk in the fixture list due to Chelsea's involvement in the FA Cup final means United had last weekend off from action, giving them over two weeks to get ready for their last match against Crystal Palace. It appears that Ralf Rangnick's side hasn't got much to play for but a victory will ensure they aren't overtaken by West Ham United, who face Brighton, and slip into the UEFA Conference League.

United's players will also be looking to bounce back after the 4-0 hammering they suffered to the Seagulls last time out and may have to put in their best possible performances to impress new manager Erik ten Hag, who could well be in attendance after arriving in Manchester on Monday.

ALSO READ: Erik ten Hag's challenge at Manchester United is similar to Jose Mourinho's

The players were put through their paces on Tuesday and United have released a series of photographs from the session. Here are five things we spotted...

1 - Shaw return

It was thought that Luke Shaw would be out of action for the remainder of the season yet he was back on the training field with his teammates on Tuesday. The left-back underwent surgery in early April to remove metal bolts from his leg which were inserted to fix the horror leg break he suffered in 2015.

The recovery process from the operation looked to have taken longer than was expected and Rangnick ruled him out for the rest of the campaign, with his last match coming on April 2 vs Leicester City. Though it's not clear if he will be fit, or if he will be risked even if he is, for the final match of the season his early return is still a positive sight.

Jadon Sancho and Luke Shaw are back in training. (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images))

2 - Sick duo back in contention

Shaw wasn't the only player to make a welcomed return on Tuesday, with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford both making their comebacks. The attacking duo have both been struck with illness in recent weeks that has seen them sidelined.

Sancho has missed the last three matches with a nasty bout of tonsillitis that required a stay in the hospital, while Rashford was absent for the hammering at Brighton after contracting bronchitis. The pair are now likely to be back in the squad for the trip to Palace.

3 - Youngsters still involved

With the last match of the campaign closing in some of the club's exciting youngsters remain training with the first team. Regulars Hannibal, Shola Shoretire, Alvaro Fernandez and Teden Mengi were once again involved with the seniors and they were joined by young midfielder Charlie Savage.

Though United need to win at Palace to avoid the ignominy of playing in the Conference League, fans will still be hoping that a couple of the starlets get a run out at Selhurst Park.

4 - Best mentor

Savage has been around the first-team for a while after making his senior debut in the Champions League against Young Boys in December but is yet to make another appearance.

Cristiano Ronaldo talks with Charlie Savage. (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

The teenage midfielder was certainly making the most of being back with Rangnick's side on Tuesday and was spotted deep in conversation with Cristiano Ronaldo as the players made their way out to the pitches.

Whether Ronaldo was offering advice or sharing stories about when he used to face his dad, Robbie Savage, back in the day, the No.7 appears to have taken yet another youngster under his wing.

5 - Ralf all smiles

Rangnick all smiles (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Rangnick's time in charge at United is quickly approaching an end. Though it's been an extremely difficult tenure, with United continuing to struggle in every competition under his stewardship, he remained in high spirits.

The German oversaw the team's drills, with several high-intensity games of rondo played, and was all smiles for one of his final training sessions as United manager.

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