Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says Lisandro Martinez could start against Wolves on Saturday.

After World Cup celebrations in Argentina, Martinez has had multiple training sessions this week and could return to the starting line-up at Wolves for the lunchtime kick-off on New Year's Eve.

"It is good he arrived in Manchester. Is he sober? I think so, I'm sure he is!" Ten Hag laughed. "It is definitely a boost (winning the World Cup), he already is a player who is convinced of himself and has high belief. But also this experience will strengthen him even more and he has to bring it to the squad.

"I think Argentina played to win in contrast to many other nations who played not to lose. Also that mentality he showed several times at Manchester United: be proactive, that's what I like. When it is difficult to stand up and when he can show that even more it can help us even more."

Ten Hag initially targeted Martinez's Ajax teammate Jurrien Timber but after he opted to stay in Amsterdam United moved for Martinez amid interest from Arsenal.

"I didn't have that doubt, that is why I brought him in," Ten Hag said of Martinez's galling start, "because I know there is high potential and if he works good then there is huge progress, there is huge space for improvement.

"Now he is returning from the World Cup it's also another challenge because that experience is so emotional and now you have to manage that as a player, because opponents will be even tougher against him and it's a good challenge.

"If you survive the challenge, you're going to be a better player and that is the player Lisandro Martinez is: he likes challenges."