Harry Maguire has suffered a ‘little knock’ ahead of Manchester United’s first game of the 2024-25 Premier League season against Fulham on Friday.
Erik ten Hag’s side lost to Manchester City on penalties in the Community Shield on Saturday and face their top-flight opener in just six days at Old Trafford.
United headed into the Community Shield clash with a number of injury concerns and Erik ten Hag suggested that Maguire was a doubt for the Wembley battle.
Maguire was named in the starting XI, though, lasting 59 minutes before he was taken off by by Ten Hag, who made a flurry of substitutions on the hour mark.
The Dutchman was quizzed about the defender’s fitness when he spoke to the media after the match and said: ‘[There is] a little knock with Harry [Maguire].’
Ten Hag is ‘hoping’ Maguire will be able to make a return for the clash against Fulham as he added: ‘We hope he can keep fit and available for next week when we start the season.’
News of Maguire’s knock is just the latest injury blow for United, who were already missing a number of players for the 2024 Community Shield match.
Rasmus Hojlund, Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were all absent as City secured the bragging rights after a 1-1 draw.
United had somewhat of a makeshift defence as winger Facundo Pellistri ended the match at right-back.
Lisandro Martinez started at left-back as Jonny Evans joined Maguire in the middle, although it looks like Matthijs de Ligt could be a new option against Fulham if United get a deal done in time.
Ten Hag, meanwhile, has been speaking about United’s hopes for the new season and said: ‘I am very pleased with the new structure.
‘We are working very good together. The team was always good but I think we can make steps forwards.
‘I think from pre-season, and also today, we can take positives but I think if we step up and are more clinical in both boxes, then we can be a successful team.’
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