Jose Mourinho has said Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are closing on a return to first-team action.
The Reds have been without the duo, plus injured stars Marouane Fellaini, Michael Carrick and Marcos Rojo.
But Mourinho says they will be in a “good position” for the Christmas period, following the international break.
United midfielders Pogba (hamstring) and Carrick (calf) have been injured since September.
While long-term absentees Ibra and Rojo, who sustained knee injuries last season, are yet to recover.
Mourinho said: “We have the group of players which are the ones that we hope will recover as soon as possible.
“They have to work every day but they are in a good position now. Pogba, Ibrahimovic, Rojo, Fellaini.
“They are in good positions so I think we can go into this part of the season, the Christmas period, and after, in a strong position.”
He added: “They (international players) all disappear and then we have a couple… like Smalling and Herrera and they really deserve, after so many matches, to have a week off which I’m going to give them.”
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate