Amidst a defensive problem, Manchester United players have been preparing ahead of the Community Shield.
The season opener for the Red Devils takes place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday against cross-town rivals Manchester City.
However, Erik ten Hag will be questioning himself before the match because three important players have not shown up for practice.Defensors Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, and Harry Maguire may not be available for the Dutch manager.Maguire did not play against Liverpool in Man United’s final preseason game.
Ten Hag acknowledged there are uncertainties regarding the trio’s availability, but they were not observed in the team’s training sessions.He said: “Harry Maguire missed the game as a precaution, he is a question mark for Saturday.”So we have training, and we will have to see whether he is fit enough or not to be available.”Victor played, but he is also a question mark, and so is Azza [Aaron Wan-Bissaka].”We have to see about [them] tomorrow.”
Ten Hag also disclosed that Luke Shaw, the full-back who was not included in the team’s US tour, will be evaluated.After participating in the Euros in Spain, the England international returned to Carrington last week.Ten Hag hinted that Lisandro Martinez may play for the Red Devils, but he was vague regarding his role.Additionally, he said, “That is [on an] individual basis and each player has a unique background.””We placed them all on off-season programs, but throughout the preseason and the weeks we spent in the USA, they all had different starts as well.”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.”Tyrell Malacia, Rasmus Hojlund, and summer acquisition Leny Yoro are the three players who will undoubtedly be missing out.Due to chronic ailments, all three players will miss the beginning of the Premier League season.If there’s a breakthrough in Man United and West Ham United’s negotiations, Wan-Bissaka might also miss the match.During his first practice with the team, Joshua Zirkzee was seen, and he may play a significant part in Hojlund’s absence.The forward was beaming with joy as he and his new teammates took on the challenge.Ten Hag was eager to strеss, nevertheless, that his club will remain competitive.”The game is about another trophy,” he emphasised.