Harry Maguire likely to start against Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-finals | OneFootball

Manchester United are struggling with injuries in defence with manager Erik ten Hag forced to hand young Willy Kambwala back-to-back starts in the Premier League.

The youngster acquitted himself quite well against Liverpool but was at fault for Bournemouth’s opener and while his potential is there for all to see, throwing him into the deep end has not quite worked out.

Manager Erik ten Hag was forced to take this drastic step due to the injuries suffered by four of the five senior centre-backs at the club.

First it was Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof, and then Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans joined the duo on the sidelines.

Injury issues at the back

The only senior option at the Dutch manager’s disposal is Harry Maguire, who was struggling with a thigh problem during the clash against the Cherries last weekend.

“Harry Maguire had an issue in the first half and luckily for us he overcame and recovered from it,” Ten Hag said at the end of the game.

“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.”

The Manchester Evening News have now revealed that the former skipper is fit to face Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley on Sunday.

He was conspicuous by his absence from the group training pictures released by the club but it seems that was a precautionary move and he has recovered sufficiently.

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

Maguire passed fit

“The 31-year-old clutched his left thigh during the 2-2 Premier League draw with Bournemouth on Saturday and was seen in conversation with physio Richard Merron and doctor Jim Moxon during the first half.

“Maguire was not visible in training imagery released by United from their session on Tuesday but it is understood his absence was a precaution and he should be available to start against Coventry,” journalist Samuel Luckhurst revealed.

The England international has enjoyed a career renaissance this term, and has been one of the manager’s go-to players at the back.

The former Leicester City man was close to being sold last summer and while exit links still persist, he is in a much stronger position and United need him at his best if they are to save the campaign.

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