Erik ten Hag dealt Man City FA Cup final blow as Man Utd star makes public admission

Harry Maguire has shed doubt over his availability as Manchester United prepare to face Manchester City in a repeat of last season’s derby FA Cup final this weekend. Erik ten Hag has welcomed a handful of players back to fitness ahead of Saturday’s crunch clash at Wembley Stadium, but Maguire might not make the cut.

United will bid to salvage something from a disastrous second season under Ten Hag by avenging their 2-1 defeat in the same fixture one year ago.

And the Dutchman has been boosted by the returns of multiple players in recent weeks as he looks to lift a second major trophy in as many seasons at Old Trafford.

Mason Mount, Anthony Martial and Victor Lindelof were back in training this week to take part in preparations. Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford are also in contention.

However, Maguire has missed United’s last four games and 16 in total in the Premier League this season with his latest muscular problems.

And the former Red Devils captain doesn’t sound confident that he will be ready to feature against City in what could be a farewell match.

“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.”

Gareth Southgate named Maguire in his preliminary England squad for Euro 2024, which begins next month.

The 31-year-old is expected to start alongside John Stones during the tournament in Germany but might not play until England’s warm-up friendlies against Iceland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He may be likely to miss the FA Cup final, but Maguire has emphasised the importance of United toppling their rivals to end a difficult season with silverware.

“It would mean absolutely everything. Playing for this club demands winning trophies,” Maguire explained.

“We did that last year and we’ve given ourselves an opportunity at the end of a difficult season to get another one. That’s what our focus is on right now.”