Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed caution ahead of the Community Shield clash against Manchester City, citing concerns over player fitness. With several key defenders facing injury doubts, ten Hag emphasized the importance of not taking unnecessary risks with the squad.
Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia have already been ruled out for the match, while Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelöf, Luke Shaw, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are all facing uncertainties regarding their availability. This leaves the team with a limited number of fit senior defenders, with Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martínez, and Diogo Dalot being the primary options.
Ten Hag highlighted the need to balance the desire to win the trophy with the importance of player safety, especially considering the upcoming Premier League opener against Fulham. He mentioned that Martínez and Dalot, who recently returned from international tournaments, will not be rushed back into action.
International players like Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho, who have also resumed training, will undergo assessments to determine their readiness for the match against City. Each player's individual circumstances and fitness levels will be taken into account before a decision is made.
Given the doubts surrounding Maguire and Lindelof, ten Hag hinted at the potential involvement of Martínez in the game, acknowledging the need to carefully manage the defensive lineup.
As the team prepares for the Community Shield showdown, ten Hag's cautious approach underscores the importance of prioritizing player welfare while aiming for success on the pitch.
