Manchester United return to action on Monday night after a 24-day hiatus, hosting fierce rivals Leeds United at Old Trafford in a high-stakes Premier League encounter.

With just seven matches remaining, every point is becoming increasingly vital. United currently sit third, only one point clear of Aston Villa, and will be eager to solidify their position in the race for Champions League qualification.

Leeds, on the other hand, have seen their earlier momentum fade and are now being pulled into a relegation scrap alongside Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham, and Nottingham Forest, holding just a four-point cushion above the bottom three.

This fixture also marks Leeds’ first visit to Old Trafford since their Premier League return, with United aiming to improve on the 1-1 draw played out at Elland Road earlier in the season.

While United's overall form under Michael Carrick has been brilliant, it hasn't been without its injury issues, either. Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu was the first significant casualty, missing at least 10 weeks of action due to a hamstring injury.

At the same time, Mason Mount and Lisandro Martínez have also missed significant spells due to muscle issues, although both were spotted in full training during United's recent training camp in Ireland.

Benjamin Šeško and Bryan Mbeumo both pulled out of international duty due to minor issues, but are expected to be fully fit to face Leeds, while Matthijs de Ligt's back problems continue.

Speaking on Saturday afternoon, Carrick explained the latest on the fitness of his squad, explaining that although Martínez is fit to face Leeds, he won't necessarily start on Monday evening.

“It's just that call that we make,” he told reporters when asked about the centre-back's return. “We wouldn't be pushed into anything. I think it's important that the boys are ready.

“It's as important as the next game always is, being the most important is the bigger picture. So that's a decision that we'll take. He's back training, which is great, and back on the grass. But we've certainly got to make the right decision and make sure he's ready.”

When asked for further injury, he continued: “That's pretty much it really, Lisandro's back, Patrick's back on the grass, but he's further away, he's not back on the grass with the team, he's back as part of his rehab. And other than that, really, we're in good shape.”

On De Ligt, Carrick said: “Just treatment and rehab. The reason he didn't come, he's not quite on the grass. Patrick came with us and Pat's at that stage a little bit further on.

“Matta's not quite at that stage yet, so it was important for him to... to continue his rehab really and try and get him back there's nothing else really around it.”

While knowing the likes of Šeško, Mbeumo, and Mount are ready to return to full action, Martínez coming back into the fold is the biggest boost of them all.

He has missed the last two months due to a calf injury, although three weeks of this were due to a lack of games during the international break combined with no FA Cup and no European football.

According to multiple reports, the 28-year-old's return to action in training for the Ireland trip has brought an extra competitive edge and intensity to training at a time when some critics have noted a drop in energy across United's last few games.

Harry Maguire is also suspended for the fixture due to his red card against Bournemouth three weeks ago, so if Martínez does slot in next to Leny Yoro, this helps keep experience and leadership in the back line.