Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Harry Maguire will be absent for the FA Cup last-16 clash against Nottingham Forest, while expressing uncertainty over the availability of Bruno Fernandes and Raphael Varane.
Maguire, who has solidified his position as a key starter for the club in recent months, has played a significant role in Manchester United’s defensive efforts this season, contributing to six clean sheets in 23 appearances and scoring twice.
Similarly, Fernandes has been a consistent presence for the team, featuring in all but two of their 36 matches this campaign and contributing seven goals and seven assists. Meanwhile, Varane has played a pivotal role in the team’s defensive solidity, helping secure nine clean sheets in 24 appearances.
Ahead of the crucial FA Cup clash, Ten Hag provided an update on the squad’s fitness, stating:
“We have some uncertainties within our squad. Harry Maguire will be unavailable. Bruno is uncertain, as is Rapha Varane. We’ll need to assess their conditions and then make our selections, with the ultimate goal, of course, being victory.”
If Maguire, Fernandes, and Varane are indeed sidelined for the upcoming fixture, Manchester United would find themselves with 10 injured players, including Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martínez, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
