Man United boss Ten Hag won’t risk players amid injuries woes

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has said he won’t take any risks with players amid injuries woes ahead of the upcoming season. United will take on derby rivals Manchester City in the FA Community Shield match but the former will have the availability of only three senior defenders.

Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia have already been ruled out due to injuries whereas players like Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelöf, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are also doubtful for the clash.

Thus, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martínez and Diogo Dalot will be the only senior fit defenders in the squad.

Meanwhile, Martinez and Dalot were not part of the preseason friendlies in the US and have returned to training only after representing Argentina and Portugal at the Copa America and Euro 2024 respectively.

“We always want to win, also in all the friendlies, it’s about a trophy, and we will put out a team that is very competitive to win this trophy,” Ten Hag said.

“But it’s also preseason. We don’t take big risks with players.”

Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho have also joined the squad but the Dutchman said everyone will need to be evaluated individually.

“It’s individual based,” Ten Hag said.

“Everyone has a different background. We put them on off-season programmes but they have different starts while we were in the USA. We will assess them and make a decision about whether they start, come from the bench or whether they don’t play.”

Ten Hag revealed that Lisandro Martinez will play against the Cityzens.

“We are thinking about Licha to be involved in the game,” he said.

Manchester United will open their Premier League campaign against Fulham next week.