Manchester United dealt with huge injury blow ahead of the Community Shield final against Manchester City

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As the much-anticipated Community Shield final on August 10th approaches, Manchester United are amid an injury crisis that could severely impact their chances against arch-rivals Manchester City.

Erik ten Hag’s squad has been hit hard by a series of injuries, with several key players now in doubt for the crucial clash at Wembley.

The injury woes began during the preseason when United’s new signings, Leny Yoro, and Rasmus Hojlund sustained injuries that will keep them sidelined for extended periods. Yoro, a promising defensive addition, is expected to be out for three months, while Hojlund faces a similarly prolonged absence.

The situation has worsened in the lead-up to the Community Shield, with Erik ten Hag revealing that four more players are now injury doubts for the final. Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Luke Shaw are all facing fitness concerns, leaving United’s defense severely weakened.

Maguire, who was left out of the recent preseason match against Liverpool as a precaution, and Lindelof, who was substituted at halftime in the same game, are both struggling to be fit for the final. Additionally, full-backs Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are also in doubt, having missed the latest training session.

Their potential unavailability further complicates Ten Hag’s defensive options, with only Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, and veteran Jonny Evans currently fit and available for selection.

Martinez and Dalot, who only recently returned to training after their international commitments in the Copa America and Euro 2024 respectively, may now be forced to play the full 90 minutes against City, despite not being fully match-fit. Evans, who has recovered from an illness that kept him out of earlier preseason activities, will likely be called upon to start in the center of defense.

With the lack of experienced defensive options, Ten Hag may have to rely on academy prospects to fill the gaps with 17-year-old starlet Harry Amass getting his first-team debut if Shaw is unable to recover in time.

The injury crisis is similar to last season when United were plagued by defensive injuries, forcing Ten Hag to field 33 different back-four combinations throughout the campaign.

Despite these challenges, United managed to secure a significant victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final, a win that salvaged an otherwise disappointing season that saw them finish eighth in the Premier League. As the Red Devils prepare to face City once again, this time in the Community Shield, Ten Hag will be hoping for a repeat of that FA Cup triumph.