Home Football Harry Maguire Ruled Out of FA Cup Clash, Doubts over Fernandes and Varane

Harry Maguire Ruled Out of FA Cup Clash, Doubts over Fernandes and Varane

Football — 02/28/2024

Harry Maguire Ruled Out of Manchester United’s FA Cup Clаsh Against Nottingham Forest. Manchester United’s defense has been dealt another blоw as Harry Maguire has been ruled out of their upcoming FA Cup fifth round match against Nottingham Forest. The 30-year-old defender joins a growing list of injured players, including Luke Shaw, and there are also doubts over the fitness of Bruno Fernandes and Raphael Varane.

Maguire had previously made a return from a groin injury that had kept him sidelined for several games at the start of the year

Manager Erik ten Hag confirmed the news, expressing concern over the availability of key players for the upcoming game. While he did not provide specific details about the injuries, he stated that Maguire would not be available, while Fernandes and Varane are doubtful.

This ιnjury setback adds to the challenges faced by Manchester United, who recently saw Shaw suffer a recurrence of a leg muscle ιnjury that could potentially rule him out for the rest of the season during their victory over Luton.

He joins a growing injury list, with Erik ten Hag confirming the defender 'will not be available'

In Maguire’s absence, Ten Hag may turn to players like Jonny Evans, Willy Kambwala, and Victor Lindelof to start in the center of defense. Additionally, United is currently without the services of Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, Lisandro Martinez, Anthony Martial, and Rasmus Hojlund due to injuries.

Maguire had previously spent time on the sidelines this season with a groin ιnjury but made a return to action and even scored in United’s recent defeat against Fulham. However, this latest ιnjury setback puts him out of contention for the FA Cup clаsh.

The pressure on Ten Hag has been mounting, with rumors surrounding his position at the club. Claims have surfaced suggesting that the club’s new minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, may not fully support Ten Hag, despite the manager’s statement affirming Ratcliffe’s confidence in him.

It comes as Luke Shaw could be ruled out for an extended period with a soft tissue injury

Manchester United’s defensive vulnerabilities have been highlighted by Opta, revealing that they have faced the joint most shots of any team in the Premier League this season. Despite this, the team had been on a seven-game unbeaten run prior to their loss against Fulham.

With the FA Cup potentially representing their last chance at silverware this season, a failure to overcome Nottingham Forest would increase the pressure on Ten Hag and his squad. The manager remаins optimistic, calling for unity and resilience as they aim to secure victory.

Despite setbacks, Ten Hag emphasized the importance of having a strong squad and players competing for positions, indicating that those sidelined by ιnjury or loss of form can work their way back into the starting lineup.