Highlights
- Maguire’s absence is a blow for United ahead of the crucial FA Cup tie.
- Fernandes and Varane are also injury doubts, meaning that United could be without three key players.
- Ten Hag emphasizes the importance of winning and showing character in adversity.
Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Harry Maguire has been ruled out of Manchester United’s FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night, with the Red Devils already struggling for options at the back. The Dutch coach told the club’s media that Bruno Fernandes and Raphael Varane are also both possible injury doubts for the game.
United, having already lost Lisnadro Martinez to yet another injury earlier this month, now have few options to play in central defence, with Luke Shaw also sidelined through injury too. Maguire’s absence is therefore a big blow ahead of an important mid-week game.
Speaking to the club’s media, Ten Hag said: We have some question marks in our squad. Harry Maguire will not be available. Bruno is doubtful. Also Rapha Varane is doubtful.
“We have to watch and see what we will have and then pick a team, with the aim of course [of winning]. It’s an FA Cup game, so it’s about win or lose. Black or white. We have to win and that should be our approach. We have to show [character]. I know we can be at our best in the moment, where we are in such a moment in adversity, and we are staying together. I know the fans, we will be strong together. And we will go into that fight to win the game.
“So when we were in the last couple of games, you have a bench and that is always, for a manager, it’s tough to disappoint players. Because there are players that can be starting XI players. In the moment there are setbacks like injuries or loss of form, you need such players. Also, for them, they can win their positions back.”
More to follow…
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