Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, has confirmed that defender Harry Maguire will not be available for the upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester City. This news comes as a significant setback for the team, given Maguire's pivotal role in the squad.
Maguire sustained a muscle injury during training earlier this month and was initially expected to be out of action for three weeks. However, at his pre-match press conference, Ten Hag announced that "Maguire is unavailable," sparking concerns about whether this could impact his inclusion in England's provisional Euro 2024 squad.
Erik ten Hag, Manchester United manager, said:
"Maguire is unavailable. He didn't make it. He hasn't healed as we expected."
United’s injury woes easing before the final
Despite losing key players like Maguire and left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia ahead of Saturday's FA final at Wembley, there is some good news on the injury front. Recent weeks have seen an easing of United’s injury issues with several players like Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Marcus Rashford, and Captain Bruno Fernandes making their return to training
Victor Lindelof, Mason Mount and Anthony Martial were also spotted in training leading up to the final match. Their return significantly boosts Ten Hag's options against rivals City.
Erik ten Hag added:
"All the players you mentioned (Lindelof, Mount and Martial), are I think all available, tomorrow final training and then we will make final decisions but if I oversee it now it looks good."
Focus on winning amidst speculation
Amidst speculation about his future with Manchester United following a poor season marred by injuries and disappointing results - including bowing out of Europe before Christmas - Ten Hag remains focused on winning the FA Cup. He dismissed talk about it potentially being his last match as manager at Old Trafford with a chuckle during his press conference.
United finished eighth place in Premier League table - their lowest ever finish - fuelling rumours over Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford. High-profile names such as Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel and Kieran McKenna are being linked with the managerial position as INEOS considers strategies to restore the club's former glory.
Erik ten Hag added:
"I have nothing to say. I am just focusing on the job I have to do and that is first win the game on Saturday and then we are in the project. Keep going in the project."
Despite the challenges, Manchester United is determined to salvage their season by beating their neighbours City at Wembley. The team's resilience and determination will be put to the test in this high-stakes match, with or without key players like Maguire. As fans eagerly await Saturday's final, all eyes will be on Ten Hag and his squad as they navigate this crucial juncture in their season.
