Five things spotted in Manchester United training as Harry Maguire gets new partner

Manchester United players trained at the AON Training Complex on Wednesday to keep fitness levels high.

Manchester United players trained at Carrington on Wednesday as Premier League clubs voted unanimously in favour of returning to full-contact training.

Players have trained in small groups this week and have adhered to social distancing guidelines. All 20 clubs voted on Wednesday to implement stage two of Project Restart as the league aims to restart the season next month.

United have worked in groups of four players and one coach which continued on Wednesday but will now be permitted to train in a group and engage in tackling with their teammates.

Here are five things we spotted during Wednesday's session.

Odion Ighalo trains again

Despite the uncertainty over his future, Odion Ighalo once again reported for training with his teammates. The Nigerian has been a hit since joining on loan in the January transfer window but his contract expires on Sunday.

Ighalo has issued a plea to Shanghai Shenhua to allow him to finish the season at United before returning to China. MEN Sport understand confidence is growing in Ighalo's camp that an extension to his loan deal can be agreed.

Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba continue to work on their partnership

United supporters caught their first glimpse of Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba in action together yesterday, working on drills with Angel Gomes and Nemanja Matic.

The two stars could feature in the diamond formation favoured by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during United's recent resurgence. Both Fernandes and Pogba were involved in passing and shooting drills featuring both Gomes and Matic, exchanging passes before shooting on goal.

Pogba looked sharp when shooting on goal and is expected to return to action if the league does resume next month.

Solskjaer's philosophy set to continue

The training footage showcased United's defenders working on their distribution from the back. Solskjaer is keen to see his defenders work the ball out of defence and he identified Harry Maguire as the perfect signing to implement his philosophy in the summer.

"I thought today we were excellent, counter-attacking football, fast-flowing forward passing, that's Man United and we're trying to get back to that," he said following the win against Chelsea in October.

United coaches can be seen drilling the defenders in short, sharp passes out of defence as well as utilising Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw in the full-back positions. Shaw was one of the club's top performers prior to the postponement of the season while Dalot will be hoping to stake his claim for increased game time as he challenges Aaron Wan-Bissaka for a starting berth.

A new partner for Harry Maguire

United fans will be pleased to see Axel Tuanzebe back on the training pitch after an injury-ravaged campaign.

Tuanzebe returned to United last summer following an 18-month loan spell at Aston Villa and was handed the captain's armband for the Carabao Cup tie against Rochdale in September. However, a serious hamstring problem sidelined him indefinitely as he was mounting a serious challenge to Victor Lindelof's role in the team.

The 22-year-old is fit again and was seen working on passing drills alongside Maguire in the centre of defence, hinting at a possible future partnership.

United midfielders learn from one of the greats

While the current situation isn't ideal, United midfielders could benefit from working in small groups with specialised coaching from one of the club's great midfielders - Michael Carrick. The former United star was directing the passing drills with Fernandes, Pogba, Matic and Gomes taking part.

The smaller set-up will allow Carrick to come up with new innovative sessions that adhere to the strict training protocols. He knows what keeps players focused and motivated during this difficult period.

His experience could also be vital to making a midfield consisting of both Fernandes and Pogba click when match days finally return.