AfriqueCAN:
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag faces a defensive headache as injuries continue to plague his side’s preparations for Saturday’s Community Shield clash with rivals Manchester City.
United are set to be without defenders Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the new season’s curtain-raiser, which puts the Premier League champions against the FA Cup winners.
In addition, center-back Lisandro Martinez only rejoined the squad this week after taking part in Argentina’s successful defense of its Copa America crown this summer.
“From individual to individual we will assess them and make a decision whether they start, or come from the bench, or they don’t play,” said Ten Hag on Thursday.
“Harry Maguire missed the (friendly) game (against Liverpool) as a precaution, but there’s still a question mark for Saturday.
“So we have training, we have to see whether he’s fit enough or not to be available.
“Victor (Lindelof) played, but also he’s a question mark and also Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw, they are also both question marks. We have to assess them tomorrow (Friday).
“We’ll think about Licha (Martinez) to be involved in the game.”
Facundo Pellistri and England’s Kobbie Mainoo, who started the Euro 2024 final on July 14, also returned to training this week after extended breaks and are being assessed.
But big money summer arrival Leny Yoro will definitely miss out after undergoing foot surgery this week for a knock sustained during a friendly and is unexpected to be unavailable for three months.
FA Cup winners United go into the Community Shield this weekend seeking to win the title for a record-extending 22nd time.
“We always want to win, also in all the friendlies. It’s about a trophy, so we will put out a team that is very competitive to win this trophy,” said Dutchman Ten Hag.
“But it’s also pre-season and we don’t go and take big risks, that’s also a normal approach into this game.”
