Manchester United are preparing for the Community Shield as they face Manchester City this Saturday at Wembley Stadium. However, the Red Devils are grappling with a defensive injury crisis, with three key players missing from training.
Manager Erik ten Hag faces uncertainty with defenders Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka all absent. Maguire missed the final pre-season match against Liverpool, raising doubts about his availability for the season opener. Ten Hag noted, “Harry Maguire sat out as a precaution and remains uncertain for Saturday. We have more training sessions to assess his fitness. Victor and Azza [Wan-Bissaka] are also questionable.”
Ten Hag also mentioned that Luke Shaw will be evaluated for his fitness, as he missed the US tour. The England international, who played in the Euros in Spain, returned to Carrington last week.
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Lisandro Martinez may feature, but Ten Hag emphasized that player participation will be assessed individually. “Each player’s situation is different,” he said. “We’ll decide based on their condition whether they start, come off the bench, or don’t play.”
Tyrell Malacia, Rasmus Hojlund, and summer signing Leny Yoro will miss the start of the Premier League season due to long-term injuries. Wan-Bissaka’s availability could be affected if negotiations with West Ham United progress. Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee, recently seen in his first training session with the club, might play a significant role in Hojlund’s absence.
Despite the injury concerns, Ten Hag assured that Manchester United will field a competitive team, stating, “We’ll put out a team capable of winning the trophy, but we won’t take unnecessary risks. Each player will be evaluated to determine their role.”