Erik ten Hag shares mixed fitness update on Man Utd duo Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire ahead of FA Cup final clash with Man City
**Erik ten Hag Provides Insight into Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire’s Fitness Ahead of FA Cup Showdown**
As Manchester United gear up for their highly anticipated FA Cup final clash against rivals Manchester City, manager Erik ten Hag has offered a mixed update on the fitness of key players Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire, shedding light on their potential availability for the pivotal encounter.
Despite their absence from the upcoming Premier League fixture against Brighton, Ten Hag remains optimistic about their chances of featuring at Wembley Stadium. While Maguire appears to be edging closer to a return, Shaw’s situation poses a greater challenge following a setback in his recovery process.
Addressing the media, Ten Hag remarked, “As for England, I cannot speculate, but regarding the cup final, we are actively working towards their involvement. There’s a fair chance we could see Harry Maguire back on the pitch. Our plans revolve around his availability. However, Luke’s situation is more intricate. Presently, the likelihood of his participation is slimmer. Although there remains a faint glimmer of hope, we must assess his condition following the setback.”
Manchester United has grappled with a barrage of injuries throughout the season, particularly in defense, with several key players sidelined for significant periods. The absence of defensive stalwarts such as Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia, and the aforementioned Shaw and Maguire has posed a formidable challenge for Ten Hag’s squad, impacting their campaign’s trajectory.
As the Red Devils prepare for their final Premier League fixture against Brighton on May 19, attention swiftly turns to the high-stakes FA Cup final showdown against Manchester City on May 25. With Ten Hag navigating the intricate web of injuries and tactical considerations, the outcome of this crucial fixture could have far-reaching implications, potentially influencing the manager’s future at the helm of Manchester United.
