Harry Maguire reveals Man United’s triple setback after Fulham defeat

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has revealed what held back his side’s performance during their worrying defeat to Fulham.

Maguire, 30, scored United’s only goal in their 2-1 Premier League defeat at home to Fulham, with the defender forced to step up in the wake of a haphazard United frontline.

With a frontline led by an out-of-position Marcus Rashford, a 19-year-old debutant in Omari Forson, and a back on the left-wing Alejandro Garnacho, United failed to offer any real attacking threat.

Forced into the predicament due to a muscle injury to top scorer Rasmus Hojlund, as well as the absence of injury-prone backup Antony Martial, United’s frontline massively underwhelmed against Fulham.

Discussing United’s disappointing defeat to Fulham after the game, Maguire would admit that the disruption caused by Hojlund’s injury had a serious negative impact on the United squad.

“We got hit by the injury to Rasmus [Hojlund], who has been a big focal point for us but it is up to us to find the solutions and the areas we need to improve on,” Said Maguire.

“He has been our focal point, we can play into him, he holds it up, he starts the press really well, not only that but Marcus has been playing really well on the left, and Garna on the right.

“It’s the story of our season, we’ve been injury-hit – as other teams have – and we need to find a solution quick.”

United’s injury crisis this season has been well documented, with the side facing a constant sea of absences amongst their squad.

The lineup United put out against Fulham was noted by one user of X, as their “34th different starting lineup of the season.”

It also marked the Red Devils’ 13th different forward combination, so Maguire’s comments about the injuryriddled frontline are accurate.

As Maguire stated it will be up to Erik ten Hag’s squad to find a solution, especially with Hojlund set to miss both of United’s massive fixtures next week.

The Red Devils will first travel to Nottingham Forest in midweek for an FA Cup fifth-round tie, before facing Premier League champions and city rivals Manchester City on the Sunday.