Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has named Harry Maguire in his 21-man squad for today’s Community Shield match against Manchester City, despite concerns over the center-half’s fitness.
Maguire has been struggling with injury and missed the pre-season loss to Liverpool last week.
However, with defensive options limited due to injuries to Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Ten Hag has included Maguire in the squad.
The Dutchman had expressed doubts about Maguire’s availability earlier in the week, saying: “Harry Maguire missed the game as a precaution, he is a question mark for Saturday. We have to see whether he is fit enough or not to be available.”
With Lisandro Martinez and Jonny Evans as the only other central defensive options, Ten Hag may be forced to rely on Maguire if he is deemed fit enough to play.
The Community Shield match against Manchester City kicks off the new season, with United seeking to win the title for the first time since 2016.
New signing Joshua Zirkzee could make his debut, while Jadon Sancho is back in the first-team picture after a public fallout with Ten Hag.
