Manchester United have been dealt a fresh blow ahead of the Community Shield clash against Manchester City on Saturday, with defensive duo Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof injury doubts for the match, according to The Athletic.
The Red Devils are already without summer signing Leny Yoro and young centre-back Will Fish due to injuries sustained on their pre-season tour of the United States, and they have suffered further decimation within their defensive ranks.
Both Maguire and Lindelof were with Man United on tour, but they did not get to play much and their knocks appear to have been complicated.
The England international has been recovering from a calf injury that had sidelined him from England’s European Championship squad, while his Sweden international counterpart was dealing with a minor knock.
Lindelof started their last game of the tour – against Liverpool – but was taken off and could now miss out on the matchday squad against Man City.
It leaves Man United with only Jonny Evans and Lisandro Martinez as the only fit centre-backs right now.
Evans was also taken off against the Reds but it appears he is fit to play this weekend, but the Argentina international only returned to training a few days ago having been given extended rest following his participation at the Copa America last month, and it remains to be seen if he is ready to feature on Saturday.
However, the relaxed nature of the Community Shield (often dubbed a glorified friendly) could see manager Erik ten Hag decide to feature Martinez, especially given his lack of options.
The Red Devils want to further strengthen at the back as a result of their current condition, and they have tabled bids for Bayern Munich duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.
The Bundesliga rejected the offers but talks are ongoing between both clubs and Ten Hag will hope things can be sorted out as soon as possible.
