Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is grappling with a defensive crisis as injuries continue to disrupt his team’s preparations for Saturday’s Community Shield clash against Manchester City.
United will be without key defenders Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the season’s opener, which sees the Premier League champions face off against the FA Cup winners.
Additionally, centre-back Lisandro Martinez has only just rejoined the squad this week after helping Argentina defend their Copa America title this summer.
“From individual to individual we will assess them and make a decision whether they start, come from the bench, or don’t play,” Ten Hag said on Thursday.
“Harry Maguire missed the friendly against Liverpool as a precaution, but there’s still a question mark for Saturday.
“We have training, and we need to see whether he’s fit enough to be available.
“Victor Lindelof played, but he’s also a question mark, as are Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw. We have to assess them tomorrow (Friday).
“We’ll consider involving Licha (Martinez) in the game.”
Facundo Pellistri and England’s Kobbie Mainoo, who started the Euro 2024 final on July 14, also returned to training this week after extended breaks and are being evaluated.
However, summer signing Leny Yoro will definitely miss out after undergoing foot surgery this week for an injury sustained during a friendly, and he is expected to be unavailable for three months.
FA Cup winners United head into the Community Shield this weekend aiming to win the title for a record-extending 22nd time.
“We always want to win, even in friendlies. It’s about a trophy, so we will field a very competitive team to win this trophy,” said Ten Hag.
“But it’s also pre-season, and we won’t take big risks. That’s a normal approach to this game.”
Post a Comment