The last Manchester United practice before the big matchup with Bayern Munich was held on Monday.

Erik ten Hag, the manager, will be anxiously watching the injury report, though, as United must win in order to have any hope of making it to the next round. They have lost all five of their games and are currently at the bottom of their Champions League group.

Ten Hag has three days to prepare his team for the match against Bayern. The Red Devils enter the game fresh off a crushing loss to Bournemouth. Mirror Football selects the top five topics of discussion from their last practise here.

1. Absent pair

Prior to Tuesday’s match, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial’s absence from the practice is Ten Hag’s biggest worry. Later on, United announced that both forwards were unwell.

Given that both have had significant roles this season, it is unclear if they will recuperate in time to play Bayern. If neither is able to recover in time, Ten Hag might have to modify his offensive strategies.

In his pre-match press conference, Ten Hag admitted he was not sure sure of his squad’s readiness. He said: “It’s a condensed programme so we have a training, so at this moment, I’m not sure about everyone, who’s available for tomorrow.”

2. Martinez boost

Lisandro Martinez was spotted undertaking individual work on Monday ( Image: Matt McNulty/Getty Images))

Although the absences of Rashford and Martial are concerning, Lisandro Martinez’s comeback was better news. Martinez’s metatarsal problem returned, keeping him out of action for the last three months.

However, the Argentine was observed leaving the training group with the rest of the group before splitting off to work on his own as part of his recovery. However, there is still some work ahead of him before he can be deemed fully recovered.

Nevertheless, Ten Hag saw some silver lining when his standout defender returned to the field. The World Cup champion has been missed in United’s back four, so the news that he is speeding up his comeback is very encouraging for the Dutchman.

3. Lindelof relief

Victor Lindelof recovered from an injury issue to take part in the session ( Image: Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

There is some relief on the injury front for Ten Hag though, with Victor Lindelof overcoming doubts to be involved in the session. The Dutchman had expressed concerns that the defender would not be fit.

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In his press conference earlier in the day, Ten Hag had said: “The question mark is on Victor Lindelof, whether he can make it or not. We have to wait and see until tomorrow.”

But Lindelof was spotted fully participating in the session on Monday to allay those worries. With Luke Shaw struggling as a makeshift centre-back, the option of playing a natural in the position will be much-welcomed by Ten Hag.

4. A relaxed squad

The Manchester United team looked to be in a good mood. (Photo courtesy of Matt McNulty/Getty Images))Despite having a miserable season, it seems like United’s players are still optimistic about their chances of qualifying for the Champions League. Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund, and Alejandro Garnacho were observed celebrating at one point during the session.Sergio Reguilon was also seen hopping on Garnacho’s back as the young man tried to make things light. Ten Hag has stated that, going into Tuesday’s match, he is certain that his team is in the appropriate mindset.

He said: “We are not consistent, [that is] clear. But we have also a very good performance and highs. So if we get it, when we are in the right spirit and then we are able to do it, then we are able to beat any opponent.”

5. Veterans pass on their knowledge

seasoned center back During the session, Jonny Evans and his highly experienced assistant manager Steve McLaren were seen exchanging words. Surprisingly, despite the center back position’s injury crisis this season, Evans has been given first team minutes.

Additionally, it seems that the United center back has been making use of his background in several contexts as they attempt to jumpstart a faltering campaign. Evans seemed to be having a cheerful conversation with McLaren as he engaged completely in the session on Monday.