Prior to Manchester United‘s opening Premier League match of the 2024–25 season against Fulham on Friday, Harry Maguire has taken a “little knock.”
In the Community Shield on Saturday, Erik ten Hag’s team was defeated by Manchester City on penalties; they will play their first Premier League match at Old Trafford in six days.
Erik ten Hag hinted that Maguire would not play at Wembley, and United had a lot of injury worries going into the Community Shield match.
However, Ten Hag started Maguire in the starting lineup and kept him there for 59 minutes until making a series of substitutes at 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.’