Manchester United provide Harry Maguire fitness clarification ahead of Manchester City clash

Harry Maguire missed Manchester United’s last game against Nottingham Forest through injury and looks unlikely to return for the Manchester Derby.

Erik ten Hag’s side travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City on Sunday and are in desperate need of a result after the loss against Fulham last weekend.

United’s hopes of finishing in the Premier League’s top four took a major dent when Marco Silva’s side scored a last-minute winner at Old Trafford.

The injuries seem to be building again for Ten Hag, too, with the likes of Lisandro Martínez and Luke Shaw back unavailable.

Another player who is out is Harry Maguire. The defender missed the FA Cup win against Nottingham Forest with an unknown injury.

Ten Hag has since clarified that he does not expect Maguire to be back for the clash against City, and so will likely continue with the pairing of Victor Lindelöf and Raphaël Varane.

“They fought to be part [of it] and they came well out of the game,” said Ten Hag speaking on Varane and Bruno Fernandes fighting through injury to play on Wednesday.

“I think they will be available for Sunday as well. And for the rest, I don’t think players will return for Sunday, so we do it with the squad from yesterday [at Nottingham Forest].”

Maguire has played 16 Premier League games so far this season, with one goal and two assists to his name.

United’s clash against City kicks off at 3:30 pm (UK time) on Sunday afternoon, with the game being shown live on Sky Sports Main Event.