4 first-team Manchester United stars unlikely to be available to face Manchester City in Community Shield clash
Four of Manchester United's first-team players are unlikely to be available to face Manchester City in the FA Community Shield clash on Saturday, August 10, at Wembley Stadium. FA Cup champions Manchester United will face the reigning Premier League champions to kick-off the English football season.
Four members of the Red Devils' backline: Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Luke Shaw might not be present for the upcoming Manchester derby, as per @RichFay on X.
Argentine centre-back Lisandro Martinez, who returned to training earlier this week after his involvement at Copa America 2024, is expected to feature.
Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw, and Wan-Bissaka were not seen in training with the Red Devils squad on Wednesday and are injury doubts for the upcoming match against Manchester City, as per Manchester Evening News.
Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, and Jonny Evans were in the starting XI of Manchester United's final pre-season friendly of the United States tour against Liverpool.
English centre-back Will Fish was also taken off the pitch on a stretcher in the friendly. During the pre-season, Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund (hamstring) and French defender Leny Yoro (metatarsal) also picked up injuries.
Manchester Evening News also reported that apart from Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans was the only senior centre-backs spotted in training on Wednesday. Leny Yoro underwent surgery on his foot injury and is expected to be out for about three months.
Manchester United coach provides Joshua Zirkzee fitness update ahead of clash against Manchester City
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has provided an update on new signing Joshua Zirkzee ahead of the clash against Manchester City. The 23-year-old Dutchman arrived at Old Trafford from Italian club Bologna this summer on a reported €42.5 million deal.
Zirkzee reported to Carrington on July 29, following his involvement with the Netherlands at Euro 2024. Providing an update on the Dutch forward's fitness level ahead of the FA Community Shield clash against Manchester City, Ten Hag said (via The United Stand):
"Joshua Zirkzee is not as fit as the rest of the squad. Last Monday was only his first session with the team. Yes, we do believe (he can play vs City). But we will base our decision on the impression he gives us."
The last Manchester Derby was the final of the 2024 FA Cup, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Manchester United on May 25 at Wembley Stadium.