Defender returns as Man United squad spotted convening at hotel ahead of Southampton

Manchester United’s stars were photographed convening at their pre-match hotel on Friday evening, ahead of the club’s upcoming meeting with Southampton.

Ralf Rangnick’s men are of course set to mark their return to action tomorrow lunchtime, in the opening fixture of the Premier League weekend.

After following up a hugely disappointing FA Cup exit at the hands of Middlesbrough with a 0-0 stalemate with Burnley in midweek, the Red Devils will no doubt be desperate for a return to winning ways this time round.

This comes with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal having leapfrogged United in the race for a top-4 berth in the English top-flight on Thursday, despite boasting a game in hand.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – JANUARY 19: Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after being substituted by Ralf Rangnick during the Premier League match between Brentford and Manchester United at Brentford Community Stadium on January 19, 2022 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Southampton, though, will prove no pushovers at Old Trafford, fresh off the back of an impressive triumph of their own, when Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Saints emerged from north London with a 3-2 victory over Tottenham.

Telles returns/Fred misses out

Manchester United boss Rangnick, as a result, will no doubt be keen to have as many of his key performers as possible fit and available to feature from the off on Saturday afternoon.

And, if the latest word stemming from the club’s camp on Friday night is anything to go by, then a strong matchday squad is precisely what Rangnick looks set to have at his disposal.

This comes with the Red Devils’ stars, as outlined above, having been spotted convening at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester, from which they will depart for Old Trafford in a little over 12 hours’ time.

As confirmed by the reliable Manchester Evening News, the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Bruno Fernandes were all in attendance.

BURNLEY, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 08: Bruno Fernandes looks on during the Premier League match between Burnley and Manchester United at Turf Moor on February 08, 2022 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

So too was Alex Telles, fresh off the back of a spell in isolation owing to a positive test for Covid-19.

Missing out, as expected, though, are all of Fred, Nemanja Matic and Eric Bailly.

The full list of Manchester United players spotted at the Lowry Hotel on Friday evening is showcased below:

De Gea, Henderson, Heaton; Dalot, Wan-Bissaka, Shaw, Telles, Varane, Maguire, Lindelöf, Jones; McTominay, Pogba, Mata, Bruno Fernandes; Sancho, Lingard, Elanga, Rashford, Cristiano Ronaldo and Cavani

BREAKING: Manchester United squad vs Southampton revealed including Cristiano Ronaldo and Alex Telles (📷 Eamonn and James Clarke) #MUFC #MUNSOUhttps://t.co/vzmQM8Ry02 pic.twitter.com/CZAOhi2zSl

— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) February 11, 2022

Ralf Rangnick speaks out on reports of dressing room unrest at Manchester United & Cristiano Ronaldo’s lack of goals

Mauricio Pochettino expected to push for Harry Kane if he becomes Manchester United manager