Harry Maguire's new injury will keep the Man United defender out of action for THREE weeks... as Erik ten Hag sweats on England star's fitness ahead of FA Cup final

• e-mail

Manchester United were dealt yet another injury blow on Sunday after Harry Maguire suffered a muscle injury in training and was ruled out for around three weeks.

The injury won’t affect Maguire’s chances of playing for England at the Euros this summer, but means he will miss United’s final four Premier League games and is a doubt for the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25.

United already had midfielder Casemiro playing as an emergency centre-back alongside Maguire due to injuries to Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Willy Kambwala.

It could mean they are without any recognised centre-backs against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park tonight (mon), although Jonny Evans returned to training on Friday and may be available.

Manager Erik ten Hag said: ‘For over 10 years I am managing, I never had this experience. So huge, so many injury issues can happen once in 10 years. Hopefully now can wait another 10 to have so many.’

Harry Maguire suffered a muscle injury in training and was ruled out for around three weeks

Maguire will now be unavailable for the remainder of United's Premier League campaign

Erik ten Hag will have to find a replacement in his starting side with Maguire now sidelined

As well as the five missing centre-backs, United are also set to be without Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Scott McTominay, Anthony Martial and Tyrell Malacia against Palace.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a doubt but has never missed a game through injury in more than four years at United and Ten Hag is hopeful he will be fit in time.

‘Bruno is a real fighter,’ added the United boss. ‘He is always available, never misses a game and always play in a good level. 

'Last year for instance when we played Brighton in the (FA Cup) semi-final, he played with an ankle that was so thick, it was unbelievable.’

Ten Hag also played down comments from Fernandes last week that he will assess his future at United after Euros. 

United are also set to be without Marcus Rashford for their clash against Crystal Palace

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a doubt but has not missed a game through injury in four years

‘That was taken out of context,’ said the Dutchman, adding that Fernandes will ‘definitely’ see out a contract that runs until June 2026. 

‘I know he is Manchester United and he is very happy to be here.’