Man Utd handed timely injury boost ahead of FA Cup semi-final at Wembley

Harry Maguire is set to be available for Manchester United’s FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.

The centre-half was seen clutching at his left thigh during the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at the weekend. He was seen in dialogue with the physio amid fears he could miss the clash with Coventry City at Wembley this weekend.

Maguire was then absent from the images that were published of the United squad training on Tuesday. The MEN though claims that his absence was a precaution and he should be available to start against the Sky Blues as Erik ten Hag seeks to make a second successive FA Cup final.

The Dutchman, who is under pressure to produce results in the latter part of the season with his job potentially on the line, has had to constantly juggle his backline this year amid regular injury problems but Maguire has proved to be a crucial cog.

The United boss said on Saturday: “Harry Maguire had an issue in the first half and luckily for us he overcame and recovered from it. 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.”

“At half-time, we repaired it, in the second half, Harry was better, we repaired it on the right side and we took more control of the game.”

United are due to have six defenders sidelined for the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday. Four of those are centre-halves with Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans all due to miss out. Tyrell Malacia has been out for the entire season with a knee problem.

Harry Maguire sustained an issue at the weekend – but looks to have recovered

Luke Shaw is another who is due to be absent as he deals with a muscular issue. Ten Hag’s side saw off Brighton on penalties in the last four of the FA Cup 12 months ago before losing to Manchester City – a possibility that exists once again.

The Red Devils know that a place in the Champions League is gradually disappearing. Fifth spot, which once looked like it could be a route in, may now have to settle for the Europa League with United 13 points off fourth having played a game less.

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