Manchester United face yet another injury crisis before the 2024/25 season has even commenced.
Erik ten Hag has expressed concerns over the fitness of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Luke Shaw ahead of Saturday’s Community Shield clash against Manchester City at Wembley.
The squad is already missing Leny Yoro and Rasmus Højlund due to injuries before the season has even kicked off.
Maguire was absent from last weekend’s friendly defeat to Liverpool in South Carolina, and Ten Hag has indicated that the England centre-back is among those whose availability is uncertain.
“Harry Maguire missed the game as a precaution,” said the United boss.
“There’s still a question mark for Saturday.
“We have training and we have to see whether he is fit enough or not to be available.
“Victor played, but also he’s a question mark and also Azza (Wan-Bissaka) and Luke Shaw are both question mark.
“We have to assess them tomorrow.”
Lisandro Martinez and Jonny Evans might be Manchester United’s center-back pairing for their upcoming match due to limited options.
Manager Erik ten Hag has stated that he won’t take unnecessary risks with his squad at Wembley.
While Ten Hag is eager to secure another victory against Manchester City at Wembley, reminiscent of their FA Cup Final triumph, he emphasized that he will not jeopardize the fitness of any players.
“We always want to win, also in all the friendlies,” he said.
“It’s about trophy.
“We will put out a team that is very competitive to win this trophy.
“But it’s also pre-season and we don’t take risks with players.
“That’s the normal approach to this game.”
Several Manchester United players, including Kobbie Mainoo, rejoined their teammates at Carrington this week after missing the pre-season tour in the US.
Erik ten Hag mentioned that these players have been following individualized training programs designed to help them regain match fitness.
“That is individual based,” he said.
“Everyone has a different background.
“We put them on off-season programmes, but they have had different starts while we were in USA.”
Tyrell Malacia remains sidelined as he continues his recovery, having been out of action for over a year.
Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee will be eager to make his Manchester United debut at the national stadium, three-and-a-half weeks after his transfer from Bologna.
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