Harry Maguire will not be available for Man United tomorrow, as they take on Villareal.
Manchester United may well be considering this Champions League game a must-win. Last time out in Europe was an absolute travesty for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Losing late to Young Boys has us already struggling in our group. That magic ten-point mark is looking somewhat far away, though a win at home to our toughest opponents (on paper at least) in the group could put that right.
Revenge will be on the minds of our players. United have to prove that the Europa League final was an anomaly. They’re better than Villareal but they have to show it.
However, they’ll be doing it a man light. Solskjaer confirmed that United had been dealt an injury blow during his pre-match press conference. He’d confirm they’re without key player and captain, Harry Maguire, for this one.
Check out what the boss had to say here:
“It looks like Harry is definitely out. Luke, we might give a chance to but he didn’t train this morning. So maybe the best-case scenario is he will join us on the bench.” Solskjaer told the media, including ManUtd.com.
“There has to be a reshuffle but that’s why we have a big squad of good players and I’m sure we’ll get a good performance with whoever is selected.”
Solskjaer then confirmed his skipper will be out for a few weeks with a calf issue. Obviously, that makes our task much harder. However, the international break is just on the horizon so that’ll help out United a little bit.
There was some better news on Luke Shaw, though, with the left-back potentially involved in the match-day squad tomorrow. If he’s fit enough to go, there’s every chance Solskjaer will play him as securing a positive result here is massive.
So who can replace Maguire?
Well, Solskjaer has options. It’s about finding the ideal partner for Raphael Varane, who is now our most senior defender. Will the gaffer go with Eric Bailly’s aggressive style of defending? Or will the Baby Faced Assassin go with the calm and composed Victor Lindelof?
I’d like to think either can come in, start with regularity and do just as solid of a job that Maguire can do – and this is why football is now a squad game more than it ever was before.
Get well soon, Harry!
Will Man United be able to cope without Harry Maguire? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
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