Man Utd star has handed Erik ten Hag second FA Cup final blow as Man City lick their lips

Harry Maguire handed Manchester United a blow ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City by admitting that he was facing a race for fitness earlier this week. It’s worsened Erik ten Hag’s woes after the United manager confirmed that he had already suffered a slice of defensive bad news.

The Wembley showdown is a must-win for Ten Hag amid mounting pressure on his job ahead of the first summer transfer window of the INEOS era.

As if City didn’t pose enough of a tough test already, Pep Guardiola is expected to have a clean bill of health heading into the repeat of last year’s final, which his side won 2-1.

Ten Hag has enjoyed a flurry of fitness boosts himself in recent weeks. Lisandro Martinez, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford have returned to action after spells out.

Meanwhile, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Mason Mount and Anthony Martial have returned to training ahead of the trip to the capital.

However, Maguire, who may have been in line to start if he was available after enjoying a renaissance this season, has admitted he’s a doubt.

“Obviously, it’s disappointing and a frustrating time to get injured. I still don’t know if I’m going to be fit,” Maguire told talkSPORT.

“It’s going to be a late one. I’m hoping to be fit for the squad for the cup final, but it will be touch and go.”

He added: “It’s probably the first time in my career that I’ve had a few muscle injuries throughout the season. It is frustrating, and it feels different.

“You always want to play so maybe I need to look at how I’m managing myself and stuff like that.”

Luke Shaw almost certainly would’ve been in the starting lineup if he was fit. But earlier this week, Ten Hag revealed he had suffered a setback in his injury recovery.

“In this moment, I think it’s less of a chance that he will make it but there is still a chance. He had a setback, and now we have to find out how he is,” Ten Hag explained.

Shaw has been missing for three months, while Tyrell Malacia has been absent for the entire season, leaving United with no natural left-backs.

Diogo Dalot has been covering, handing Aaron Wan-Bissaka regular starts at right-back.

Both will be in the team against City, but Ten Hag’s two centre-backs are a mystery for now.