In a post-match interview after Saturday’s Community Shield match against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag disclosed that Harry Maguire sustained “a little knock” during the game. The Red Devils were on the verge of securing a victory over their city rivals, with Alejandro Garnacho scoring in the 82nd minute to give them the lead. Despite their efforts, Bernardo Silva equalized in the 89th minute, and Man City eventually emerged victorious in the penalty shootout.
Missing several key players for the Community Shield, including Rasmus Hojlund, Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Man United had to make do with Facundo Pellistri playing as a makeshift right-back. Maguire, who was substituted just before the hour mark, had already displayed signs of discomfort in the first half.
Ten Hag provided an update on Maguire’s condition, stating, “I just checked with the doctor, and the doctor was the person I spoke to most last season, and it seems that everyone is [starting to] come good. [There is] a little knock with Harry [Maguire] but we hope he can keep fit and available for next week when we start the season against Fulham.”
In the absence of injured players like Yoro, Hojlund, and Malacia, Lisandro Martinez operated at left-back alongside Jonny Evans in the middle. However, there are hopes that Matthijs de Ligt, rumored to be joining from Bayern Munich, could feature in the upcoming Premier League opener against Fulham.
Leny Yoro is expected to be sidelined until November due to a fractured foot, while Hojlund is set to return in September following a hamstring injury sustained in a pre-season match against Arsenal. Malacia, who has been out since the 2022-23 season due to a knee injury, is likely to make a comeback later this year. Wan-Bissaka is rumored to be transferring to West Ham United, but Shaw is anticipated to be fit for the Fulham game.
Lindelof, who might be surplus to requirements following De Ligt’s arrival, could also be available for selection. The Swedish defender’s future at Old Trafford remains uncertain as the club prepares for a new season under ten Hag’s management.
