Manchester United have several players out injured ahead of their Premier League opener against Wolves on Monday night.
Erik ten Hag expects Harry Maguire to be available for the match, despite closing in on a transfer to West Ham.
The Reds accepted a £30 million offer from the Hammers this week but it is unclear if a transfer will materialise. A lot will depend on whether the 30-year-old wants to play for West Ham, although reports suggest David Moyes is already willing to make him club captain to help persuade the England international.
Unfortunately, United are not expecting any of their injured players to return to face Wolves. Tyrell Malacia has not been seen throughout pre-season, Amad Diallo has a knee problem and Kobbie Mainoo has been ruled out for the foreseeable future with an ankle injury.
Furthermore, new signing Rasmus Hojlund must wait for his debut due to a minor back injury and Tom Heaton has a calf strain that is likely to keep him sidelined for the rest of the month.
“Some issues you mention from last season, like Malacia; he came to pre-season with an issue,” Ten Hag told reporters, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News. “We had 30 players on tour who were really fit and disappointment about Amad and disappointment about Kobbie [Mainoo], absolutely.
“But that’s what happens when you go to the limits. Injuries are not avoidable but we have a strong squad and from there on we can pick a really strong team. And you see the two games last weekend of two teams, two strong sides.
“Of course [Maguire availability], you go specific (about injuries): Malacia will take some time, same as Amad and Kobbie, they are impact injuries. All the others like Henderson, Hojlund, quite short notice but what is the definition of it, but it will take a few weeks.”
🗣️ “Of course.”
Erik ten Hag confirms that Harry Maguire is available for selection for Manchester United against Wolves on Monday. ✅ pic.twitter.com/xtNApFEaz0
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 11, 2023
Footage courtesy of Sky Sports
When asked about Hojlund, Ten Hag reiterated that it’s a minor issue and they are not overly concerned about it.
“So as we said previously, he had a small issue and he’s not on the levels where our players are at in this moment,” Ten Hag added. “So we have to train him.
“Prognosis [is] difficult always to say. We are confident and we are positive.”
Get the latest Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
