Manchester United kick off their competitive fixtures for the season with the Manchester Derby in the Community Shield final.
Already, the trauma from last season of most of the squad being injured and unavailable is being repeated as Erik ten Hag’s recent injury update dropped.
United are all set to be without multiple players after a pre-season full of issues but they already know City can be toppled.
Amidst the cautious optimism in the face of injuries, the manager has just been boosted by the potential return of a key member.
Man Utd star returns
Of course, it must be said that the traveling squad consists of 21 members so not everyone is going to make the final squad or onto the pitch.
Having said that, it would be extremely naive of United to take an injured player when he could just be at the training base rehabbing from the issue.
Therefore, the return of Harry Maguire to the traveling squad hints that Erik ten Hag could be boosted by his status.
While Maguire is no longer the first name on the teamsheet, his importance has grown again due to the centre-back injury crisis.
Leny Yoro’s injury is already well-covered, while Luke Shaw’s absence means United start this season like they ended the last- without a natural senior left-back.
Add to it Lisandro Martinez stepping in straight after holidays and Jonny Evans coming off being subbed in the last pre-season match, and the situation is precarious.
In such a moment, the return of Maguire, if only to share the load with another player by coming off the bench, is a massive boost.
Availability is the best ability
Maguire has often been questioned for his ability to play at the level of United but he has shown repeatedly that he is extremely reliable.
Of course, his wages are a concern, as the player reportedly earns close to £200k/week, nowhere near suitable for a squad player now.
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His contract expires next year with an additional option but if the player is open to staying at Old Trafford with a pay cut, it should be a no-brainer move to make.
Maguire has emerged as a leader in the locker room due to his professionalism and drive, while his ability to come back from injury for the team has been lauded by multiple managers.
His inclusion in the traveling squad only hammers home that point- availability is the best ability, especially in a team like the current United where no game seems to pass without a new injury concern.
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