Community Shield: Erik ten Hag said that four Manchester United defenders are questionable to play because of injuries

When Manchester United plays Manchester City in the Community Shield on Saturday at Wembley, Erik ten Hag’s team will be depleted. Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, and Luke Shaw are all questionable to play against their Manchester rivals. Ten Hag also discussed the summer transfer activity at United and emphasized the adaptability of Jadon Sancho, who may play this next weekend.

Erik ten Hag has confirmed that four defenders are questionable for Saturday’s match against Manchester City, adding to Manchester United’s already dire injury situation.

Ten Hag stated that Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelof are all “question marks” for the Community Shield.

For the season’s opening game, Tyrell Malacia, Rasmus Hojlund, and new acquisition Leny Yoro are also missing.

Only Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, and Diogo Dalot are available, thus Harry Amass, 17, may be called up to the starting lineup.

“Harry Maguire missed the game [against Liverpool] – a precaution but is still a question mark for Saturday,” Ten Hag stated.

“We must determine whether he is fit enough to be available based on his training.

“We have to evaluate them [on Friday]. Victor [Lindelof] performed, but he’s also a question mark, as are Azza [Aaron Wan-Bissaka] and Luke Shaw.

“We think about Licha [Lisandro Martinez] to be involved in the game.”
In United’s 3-0 preseason loss to Liverpool, Amass began at left defense, while Diogo Dalot and Lisandro Martinez didn’t begin practicing until this week after returning from international duty.

teenage center-half Yoro is anticipated to miss three months following surgery for his foot ailment, while Hojlund may miss up to six weeks due to a hamstring issue.

In addition, Ten Hag opted to exercise patience in the face of a “quiet” market while answering inquiries about potential additions to strengthen United’s injury-ravaged roster.

Ten Hag declared, “We will make an announcement when we have news.” “As you can see, the market is still rather calm. We’ve conducted business. We have completed two transactions.

“It’s about timings, the market, the market options, the right moment and the right things.”

The Dutchman highlighted Jadon Sancho’s adaptability ahead of the Manchester Derby, which may come too soon for Joshua Zirkzee, the recent addition from Bologna.

“Jadon can play across the whole frontline,” Ten Hag went on. Depending on how you arrange the team, he may play many positions.

“You can look at your own tactics, opponents that fit the best and Jadon had some abilities you can use in a game.”

Last but not least, Ten Hag refuted rumors that he would choose softer for the Community Shield, even if the 54-year-old won’t have a lot of options this Sunday.

“So, we always want to win, also in all the friendlies,” Ten Hag stated. “It’s all about the trophy; to win it, we’ll have a very competitive team.

“It’s also pre-season, we don’t go into big risks with players, the normal approach into this game.”