In a devastating blow for Manchester United, head coach Erik ten Hag confirmed that his side suffered a quadruple fitness setback after their 3-0 defeat to Liverpool in the USA.
The Red Devils’ pre-season woes continued at the Williams-Brice Stadium in South Carolina, where they succumbed to their third loss in five exhibition matches this summer.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool took a commanding lead with goals from Fabio Carvalho and Curtis Jones in the first half, before Kostas Tsimikas added another after the hour mark.
Despite recording 18 shots compared to Liverpool’s nine, Manchester United’s lack of ruthlessness cost them dearly.
Already missing Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund, United were boosted by the inclusion of Antony and Marcus Rashford in the squad after knocks against Real Betis. However, their defensive line was hit hard in the Liverpool loss.
Captain Harry Maguire missed out on the matchday squad, while Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans had to be substituted at half-time. Young defender Will Fish was stretchered off after a collision with Liverpool’s Harvey Blair, prompting a concerned ten Hag to console him on the field.
Following the game, ten Hag provided updates on the injured players, stating that Fish had suffered an impact injury, Evans was feeling unwell, and Maguire was left out as a precaution. Despite Lindelof’s withdrawal being preventive, his availability for the upcoming Community Shield clash against Manchester City remains uncertain.
“Always, we have to see what has gone on. The assessment, of course, with Will Fish is it’s an impact injury. We also had to sub Jonny Evans at half-time because he was ill,” ten Hag told MUTV.
With Aaron Wan-Bissaka also nursing an injury that forced him off early, Manchester United face an uncertain defensive situation ahead of their next match. However, there is hope that Maguire, Lindelof, and Evans will recover in time for the Wembley showdown.
In case of their absence, ten Hag may turn to Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Casemiro to fill the defensive void left by the quartet of sidelined players.
