Erik ten Hag has offered an update amid serious fitness issues in the Manchester United defence.
The Red Devils are already struggling with new signing Leny Yoro sidelined for months, while further forward, Rasmus Hojlund has a hamstring problem — Marcus Rashford and Antony played a part against Liverpool but only after serious concerns about their availability.
But it’s now in defence where the problems are mounting for the Dutchman. In the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool in South Carolina at the weekend — concluding their US tour — Ten Hag was forced to bring off Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof through injury, while one of the replacements, Will Fish, lasted less than half-an-hour.
All of that is on top of Harry Maguire not being included in the matchday squad due to his own fitness issue.
Fans are now worried about how their side will look come the start of the season, with United’s Community Shield clash with Manchester City at Wembley just days away.
Ten Hag addresses defensive fitness issues
After the heavy defeat to Liverpool, Ten Hag provided updates on his wounded backline.
“Always, we have to see what has gone on,” Ten Hag said in his post-match interview with MUTV.
“The assessment, of course, with Will Fish is it’s an impact injury. We also had to sub Jonny Evans at half-time because he was ill. Victor Lindelof [was] a precaution. So, yeah, there are some injuries, but we have to see how bad it will be.”
Speaking before the match, Ten Hag said of Maguire: “Pre-season is always tough. But, yeah, Harry Maguire, as a precaution, we leave him out.”
“And we had, of course, some injuries, but that is part of club football. We have to develop our team and make some good progression.”