Harry Maguire has been left out of Manchester United’s team for their upcoming match against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening, reportedly due to a slight injury setback caused in training on Friday morning.
🚨🎙️| Ten Hag: "He [Maguire] had a little problem in the last training session yesterday, so he couldn't travel with us." pic.twitter.com/C0yNPF6Zu5
— centredevils. (@centredevils) August 19, 2023
Erik ten Had stated before the Tottenham Hotspur match that “He [Maguire] had a little problem in the last training session yesterday, so he couldn’t travel with us.”
The central defender was among the substitutes during United’s Premier League debut against Wolves on Monday, yet he remained on the sidelines throughout the match, even when Lisandro Martinez sustained an early injury.
While Maguire wasn’t anticipated to be in the starting lineup this weekend, it’s notable that he’s absent from the bench. Sources from Old Trafford suggest he’s nursing a minor injury, sidelining him for the fixture.
Martinez, now fit again, will team up with Raphael Varane in central defence. Manager Erik ten Hag has opted for the same starting eleven that faced Wolves as they prepare to challenge Spurs.
Speculations are rife about Maguire’s future at Manchester United. There’s growing belief that the club may be looking to offload the defender before the transfer window concludes.
The 30-year-old seems to have slipped down the preference list at Old Trafford, falling behind not just Martinez and Varane, but also Victor Lindelof. Interestingly, even left-back Luke Shaw seems to be a more preferred option in the central defensive position.
West Ham had reportedly tabled a £30m bid for Maguire, which was accepted. However, the move fell through as Maguire was seemingly unwilling to accept a significant wage reduction without an appropriate compensation.
If Maguire decides to remain with the Red Devils, his on-field action might be considerably limited.
