Erik ten Hag says both Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford will be fit to play against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, although there was less positive news for Harry Maguire and Anthony Martial who won’t make the trip to Merseyside.
The manager was faced with questions from the media at his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon when he was asked to provide an update on the fitness of the squad.
Manchester United crashed out of Europe during the week after losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich. To make matters worse, defensive duo Maguire and Shaw came off with injuries.
Fans have been eager for updates on both players ahead of the challenging trip to Anfield. Furthermore, it was time for an update on Rashford and Martial after both missed the midweek game due to illness.
Ten Hag told reporters (via Manchester Evening News): “Harry Maguire will not be available but we don’t think it’s long-term.
“Luke Shaw, he trained this morning. So we think he is available for Sunday.
“Marcus Rashford. He will [be back, but] Martial not.”
The manager was also asked whether he felt he had the backing of the club despite United’s terrible start to the 2023/24 season. It’s December and we’re sixth in the league and out of Europe.
“I feel that they tell that,” Ten Hag added. “That’s fine, that’s ok but I’m focusing on the process and making this team better, making these individuals better.
“I want to win and progress in [the] right direction. We haven’t met the standards, that is the truth.
“The future for United is very good when you see how good young players in the squad with high potential to play at [the] top level.”
My problem with this is we have too many players that need to become better. That shouldn’t be the case at Manchester United.
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