Erik ten Hag identifies four Man Utd players as 'doubts' for Community Shield showdown against Man City

Erik ten Hag has identified four Manchester United players who are now in doubt for the Community Shield showdown against Manchester City.

The Red Devils are set for a Wembley showdown against Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions in the traditional curtain raiser for the new 2024-25 season.

Ten Hag’s men clinched the FA Cup trophy last term, which is why they are taking part in this year’s Community Shield match, which will be played on Saturday.

The Dutchman has suffered somewhat of a blow for that special Manchester derby in the English capital as he provided an injury update on Thursday.

Ten Hag confirmed that Harry Maguire and three other defenders may be absent, as the two Manchester clubs battle it out for the first piece of 2024-25 silverware.

‘Harry Maguire missed the [pre-season] game [vs Liverpool], he was a precaution but is still a question mark for Saturday,’ Ten Hag said.

‘So we have training, we have to see whether he is fit enough or not to be available.

‘Victor [Lindelof] played but also he’s a question mark and also [Aaron Wan-Bissaka] and Luke Shaw are both question marks, we have to assess them tomorrow. Lisandro Martinez will be involved.’

Ten Hag has also sent a message to United midfielder Mason Mount after his ‘very bad season’ at Old Trafford in 2023-24, which was plagued by injury issues.

Quizzed about Mount’s pre-season performances, Ten Hag said: ‘We know he’s a high class player and just bringing skills in.

‘Last season, he had a very bad season, a very tough season for him because of all injuries and now we are very pleased he had a good pre-season.

‘I’m sure from this point on he will contribute to the team if he stays fit, it counts for every player.’