Ole Gunnar Solskjaer changes his tune on Harry Maguire’s chances of recovering from ligament damage in time for Europa League final as despondent Man United boss – who was ‘positive’ on Sunday – now reveals captain ‘doesn’t look great’
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says things ‘don’t look great’ for Maguire ahead of the final
- The United captain picked up an ankle ligament injury vs Aston Villa last week
- Solskjaer is also concerned about Scott McTominay, Fred and Anthony Martial
- But he says they’ve ‘still got a little bit of hope for’ Martial ahead of the final
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted it ‘doesn’t look great’ for Harry Maguire as faces a race against time to prove his fitness before the Europa League final.
The United captain picked up an ankle knock in a 3-1 win against Aston Villa, causing concern over his availability for the European showpiece on May 26.
Solskjaer had previously said that Maguire was feeling ‘positive’ about the situation and that they would make a last-minute call on the England defender ahead of the final, but now admits ‘it doesn’t look great’ with just seven days to go.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said things ‘don’t look great’ for Harry Maguire ahead of the final
Defender and captain Maguire picked up an ankle ligament injury vs Aston Villa last Sunday
Speaking in his post-match press conference after United’s 1-1 draw with Fulham on Tuesday, Solskjaer gave an injury update on the defender.
He said: ‘Harry [Maguire] we’re working on, doesn’t look great.’
The news come shortly after Solskjaer admitted Maguire was optimistic he would be back in time for the match against Villarreal.
Speaking ahead of the Fulham match, the United boss had said: ‘Hopefully we can have good news early but I’ll give it a while on Harry.
‘He’s shown his importance. I felt I became a very good player when I was injured. People realise what you can do.
The news comes after Solskjaer had admitted they were feeling ‘optimistic’ about his return
Should Maguire be ruled out, United will be losing a commanding player on and off the pitch
‘Harry is our leader and he’s been a big miss at the moment. I’ll give him as long as he needs before he says yes or no.
‘He’s making progress but we don’t want to test it out too early. Harry wants this so much but he doesn’t want to take risks either.
‘When I spoke to him this morning, he was quite positive. We have to be positive and think he’s going to make it, until we have to say no. I’ve always been an optimist.’
Maguire would be a huge loss for United as his interception, aerial duel and passing statistics are among the league’s best.
The former Leicester defender is also an influential figure and leader even while off the pitch.
Maguire is not the only player at risk of missing the final on May 26, as Solskjaer revealed Scott McTominay, Fred and Anthony Martial are all nursing injuries.
Solskjaer is also concerned about Scott McTominay, Fred and Anthony Martial’s fitness
Although, he says they’ve ‘still got a little bit of hope for’ Martial ahead of the final on May 26
He said: ‘We’ve had a couple of players that have got injuries with Scott and Fred, so I’ll see how they are.
‘Unfortunately, Scott had to come off and Fred doesn’t look great while he’s walking now but we’ve got eight days, so hopefully everyone will be available that was available today. ‘
‘Anthony, we’ve still got a little bit of hope for. We’re hoping. He’s working really hard and we’re hoping he’ll be available for the final.
‘He’s been very enthusiastic, so I can’t say he won’t be fit for the final but of course, he’s been out for a long time. I’m still hopeful.’
