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Manchester United get defensive injury boost ahead of FA Cup semi-final

Originally posted on Stretty News | By Dale O'Donnell | Last updated 4/17/24

Harry Maguire is expected to be available for Manchester United’s FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City at Wembley on Sunday.

The 31-year-old defender was spotted clutching his left thigh during the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth in the Premier League last weekend. Maguire was also seen having a conversation with physio Richard Merron and club doctor Jim Moxon during the first half.

To put even more doubt in the minds of United fans, Maguire was not seen in training imagery released by United from Tuesday’s session.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Maguire’s absence was a precaution and he should be available to start against Coventry City.

Erik ten Hag will certainly hope so because he is running out of options to play at centre-back. We’ve already got Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof out with injuries. That means we are likely to see Willy Kambwala make his third consecutive start for the Reds.

Speaking to reports about Maguire’s fitness on Saturday, Ten Hag said: “Harry Maguire had an issue in the first half and luckily for us he overcame and recovered from it. You can see the second half he was up there and then he can express his leadership, he can express his defensive qualities and rest on the ball, we especially needed that in this back four.

“At half-time we repaired it, in the second half, Harry was better, we repaired it on the right side and we took more control of the game.”

It would be a huge blow for United if Maguire was to miss Sunday’s game, regardless of the fact Coventry are a Championship side. We’ve still got to go to Wembley and get the win!

This article first appeared on Stretty News and was syndicated with permission.

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