Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed a potential defensive crisis ahead of the Community Shield clash against Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday. Several key defenders are facing injury concerns, casting doubt over their availability for the season-opening match.
New signing Leny Yoro will be sidelined for three months due to a foot injury, while fellow centre-back Will Fish sustained ligament damage in a friendly against Liverpool. Ten Hag expressed uncertainty about the fitness of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw.
“Harry Maguire missed the game (against Liverpool), was a precaution but is still a question mark for Saturday,” Ten Hag told reporters. “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 (Wan-Bissaka) and Luke Shaw are both question marks, we have to assess them tomorrow (Friday).”
While Argentine international Lisandro Martinez could be a defensive option, Ten Hag did not provide a clear timeline for the return of players who joined the squad late due to international duty. “That is (on an) individual basis and every has a different background,” he added. “So from individual to individual we will assess them and make a decision whether they start, come from the bench or they don’t play.”
Adding to the defensive woes, striker Rasmus Hojlund will miss the match due to injury, paving the way for Joshua Zirkzee to make his United debut less than a month after joining from Bologna.
Despite the injury concerns, Ten Hag remains confident in his team’s ability to compete for the trophy. United beat City 2-1 in the FA Cup final in May, showcasing their capability to overcome challenges. “So, we always want to win,” Ten Hag said. “It’s about a trophy, we will put out a team that is very competitive to win this trophy.”
