Erik Ten Hag, the Manchester United manager, is compelled to assemble a make-shift defence for the upcoming Community Shield match against Manchester City due to a series of injuries in his team. United might initiate their season-opening match at Wembley sans Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, alongside Lisandro Martinez, who has only just returned to the team after his Copa America triumph.
Under Ten Hag’s leadership, the Red Devils’ performance last season was significantly affected by injuries. He stated, “Maguire was not part of the friendly match against Liverpool as a precautionary measure, but his participation on Saturday is as yet uncertain. His fitness will be evaluated during training to determine his availability for the game.
Lindelof, who played the friendly, is also doubtful, as are Wan-Bissaka and Shaw. Their fitness will be assessed on Friday.” Martinez, Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, and Facundo Pellistri, who recently returned to Carrington following long-duration breaks, are currently under assessment, Ten Hag stated.
“Each player will be evaluated individually, and based on that, decisions will be made about their participation, whether as starters, substitutes, or non-playing members,” he said, also considering Martinez’s inclusion in the game.
Meanwhile, United’s recent acquisition, £60 million worth defender Leny Yoro, is recuperating from a foot surgery and striker Rasmus Hojlund is expected to be side-lined for an extended period due to a hamstring injury. The club has added Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna to their ranks for £36.5 million, and hope to further bolster their squad prior to the transfer deadline on August 30. Youssouf Fofana of Monaco, Burnley’s Sander Berge and Ivan Toney from Brentford have been speculated as potential additions to Old Trafford.
Regarding further signings, Ten Hag remarked, “we will announce any updates as and when they occur. As of now, the market remains largely inactive.”
“We have already progressed with our transactions, completing two deals. It all comes down to timing and opportunities in the market – taking the right decisions at the optimal moment. I will not divulge the specifics of where our recruitment process currently stands or what we are working on. Rest assured, we have everything under control.
I strongly believe that our squad is in a favourable position at present. In due course, we would keep you updated, just have patience for a bit longer.”
United are striving to attain the Community Shield for an unparalleled 22nd time and will go up against City in this standalone competition between league victors and FA Cup champions.
Team coach, Ten Hag, expounded further: “Regardless of the friendly matches, our objective is always to emerge victoriously. Given it’s involving a trophy, we will be strategically forming a highly competitive squad who will be capable of winning this trophy. Yet, considering it’s still preseason, we won’t be making daring moves, which is also a regular strategy going into this game.”