Ten Hag confirms surprise double fitness boost, but two Man Utd players ruled out

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Erik ten Hag has shared a fitness update on four players ahead of Manchester United’s trip to Anfield on Sunday.

All season long, Manchester United have struggled with a host of injury concerns, with the crisis barely letting up so far.

Heading into what is the scariest fixture of the season this Sunday with a trip back to the scene of last season’s 7-0 thrashing, there once again are several fitness concerns.

But in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Erik ten Hag has given an update on four players who many feared would miss the game.

Erik ten Hag gives a fitness update

Speaking ahead of the game as reported by MEN, Ten Hag has shared an update which is both positive and negative at the same time.

On who will be absent on Sunday, Ten Hag confirmed that: “Harry [Maguire] will not be available for the coming games, but we don’t think it’s long-term.”

He added that “[Anthony] Martial not [available].” when discussing fitness.

Maguire was substituted on Tuesday against Bayern Munich with what seemed to be a non-contact groin injury.

This is a massive blow considering how crucial Maguire has been in recent weeks for United. Meanwhile, Martial’s absence places extra pressure on Rasmus Hojlund up front, so again is a blow.

But it wasn’t all bad, with Ten Hag confirming that two other players will be fit to feature at Anfield.

“Luke Shaw trained this morning, so we think he’s available for Sunday. Marcus Rashford will be back.”

This is a massive boost with Shaw’s return key in strengthening a defence which has seen such poor defensive displays lately. He is also a candidate to take the captain’s armband given Bruno Fernandes is absent along with various other options.

Rashford’s return will be a boost as he is a good option to support Alejandro Garnacho should the 19-year-old struggle.

How United’s defence could look this Sunday

With multiple defensive injuries this weekend, Raphael Varane likely reemerges into the starting line-up.

Alongside him we expect will either be Luke Shaw or Jonny Evans.

Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will have a chance to feature at right back with the Portuguese possibly playing on the left if Shaw is pulled into centre-half.

Whatever way it’s looked at, this game will be hugely concerning ahead of time given how many goals Liverpool has scored past United in recent seasons.