Manchester United interim boss, Michael Carrick, has provided an update on the health status of two key defenders, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw. The duo was taken off during the recent match against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford due to illness.
The Red Devils secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday, propelling them into third place in the Premier League with 51 points. However, this win came with its share of concerns as both Maguire and Shaw had to be substituted early in the first half.
Carrick clarified that their removal from play was due to illness rather than injury. "They just weren't feeling too well. Hopefully they will be feeling better soon," he told reporters. This news is somewhat relieving for fans as Manchester United is already grappling with injuries to other key players like Patrick Dorgu, Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez.
Advantage over rivals despite injuries
Despite these setbacks, Manchester United seems better positioned than some of their rivals who are dealing with a congested calendar. Liverpool and Chelsea are still competing in both the FA Cup and Champions League while Aston Villa faces a challenging Europa League campaign. United has been performing exceptionally well recently; they have won six matches and drawn one out of their last seven top-flight games. They lead fourth-placed Villa only by goal difference but have a significant six-point gap over sixth-placed Chelsea while also playing considerably better than fifth-placed Liverpool.
Both Maguire and Shaw have been instrumental in some of United's best moments this decade including domestic cup triumphs but have also struggled with recurring injury problems which could impact their future at Old Trafford.
Maguire’s contract is set to expire at the end of this season, and renewing the 32-year-old's contract could be a risky move, especially if he continues to be seen as a first-team starter. On the other hand, Shaw's deal is set to expire at the end of next season. Given his inconsistent performance during his tenure at Old Trafford, it might be time for Dorgu to step up and take his place in the starting XI.
While Manchester United navigates through these health concerns and potential changes in their lineup, their recent form suggests they are well-equipped to maintain their momentum in the Premier League.
