(Football news) Erik ten Hag has been left to count the cost of Manchester United’s USA tour, which ended in a humbling 3-0 loss at the hands of Arne Slot’s Liverpool earlier this month.
Neither long-term knee victim Tyrell Malacia nor Leny Yoro were available for that encounter; the latter is set for a three-month absence after sustaining a metatarsal fracture against Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Harry Maguire also missed the loss to the Reds as a precautionary measure, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans all failed to complete the full 90 minutes.
With the injury-plagued Luke Shaw also only just returning from his post-Euro 2024 holiday, Ten Hag could have been without as many as six rearguard members for Saturday’s clash with City, who are out for vengeance following last season’s 2-1 FA Cup loss.
Harry Maguire ‘included’ in Man United squad
However, Harry Maguire has been declared fit enough for the match and is one of 21 players to have made the squad for the traditional curtain raiser.
Despite being stripped of the armband under Erik ten Hag amid his downturn in fortunes, Maguire has since enjoyed a redemption arc at Old Trafford, starting 18 Premier League matches and four in the Champions League last term.
A calf injury cruelly robbed Maguire of the chance to represent England at Euro 2024, but he has recovered from his latest affliction in time to take on the Premier League champions.
Maguire is one of just three centre-backs available to Ten Hag for the contest alongside Evans – who has recovered from illness – and Copa America winner Lisandro Martinez.
While the 31-year-old has returned, key striker Rasmus Hojlund is sidelined with a hamstring problem, while Will Fish was stretchered off against Liverpool with an impact injury.
What could Manchester United’s XI look like against Manchester City?
With Maguire and Martinez both given the green light to make the Wembley squad, it would not be a shock to see the pair line up in front of Andre Onana, although Evans is still a viable option at the back.
Absentees out wide will benefit Harry Amass’s chances of starting on the left-hand side for the FA Cup holders, while Diogo Dalot ought to operate opposite the 2007-born full-back.
Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo are ready to reprise their midfield partnership from last season, while Bruno Fernandes sports the captain’s armband from a more advanced midfield role.
Amad Diallo’s strong pre-season could see the Ivorian given the nod on the right-hand side of the forward line, while Marcus Rashford jostles with Jadon Sancho on the left.
The latter is an option to start through the middle in Hojlund’s absence, as is Scott McTominay, but Joshua Zirkzee is thought to be in with a strong chance of a full debut.
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