Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has provided an update on four players ahead of the Community Shield clash against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.
The Red Devils beat the Cityzens in the FA Cup final in May. They went into the game as underdogs but stunned Pep Guardiola’s side with a deserved 2-1 victory.
The arch-rivals will meet again on Saturday and Ten Hag has revealed that Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw are doubtful.
Maguire was left out of the pre-season friendly against Liverpool as a precaution while Lindelof and Wan-Bissaka were substituted during the 3-0 loss after picking up knocks.
Shaw was not involved in the pre-season tour of the United States after his international exploits with England. He may be lacking match fitness ahead of Saturday’s game.
The defensive quartet will be assessed tomorrow. Ten Hag told reporters: “Harry Maguire missed the game (vs Liverpool), was a precaution but is still a question mark for Saturday.
“So we have training, we have to see whether he is fit enough or not to be available.
“Victor [Lindelof] played but also he’s a question mark and also Azza [Aaron Wan-Bissaka] and Luke Shaw are both question marks, we have to assess them tomorrow (Friday).”
The Red Devils are also expected to be without Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund with foot and hamstring injuries picked up against Arsenal last month.
Tyrell Malacia is also an assured absentee for the derby. He is still recovering from knee surgery. Ten Hag has hinted that he may need a couple of months to return.
United go into the Community Shield game with better preparation than City, who have had several players reporting late following international duty last month.
However, it won’t be a straightforward contest. With a potential defensive crisis, the Red Devils will need to be at their best to get the better of the Cityzens once more.
