Coming from Fabrizio Romano, Erik ten Hag has confirmed a significant setback for Manchester United as a key player has sustained an injury ahead of the FA Cup final against Manchester City. Reported by Romano, Ten Hag stated that his injury is a substantial blow for the team, affecting their preparations for the crucial match.

Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Harry Maguire will miss Manchester United’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Maguire last played in United’s 1-1 draw with Burnley at Old Trafford and has missed the last five Premier League games due to a groin injury.

The 31-year-old England international has made his way back into United’s starting XI this season, and Ten Hag has been concerned about his former captain’s fitness, especially with the team’s numerous defensive injuries.

Recently, Casemiro has been playing as a makeshift centre-back, and the Brazilian might continue in that role at Wembley this weekend.

However, United has received a boost with Lisandro Martinez returning to fitness, and Victor Lindelof could also start at centre-back after recovering from a hamstring injury.

The Swedish defender, along with Mason Mount and Anthony Martial, has been seen in full training at Carrington this week. All three had been doubtful for Saturday’s final but are now expected to feature.

“Harry Maguire is unavailable. For the rest, all the players you mentioned are, I think, available,” Ten Hag told reporters when asked about Maguire, Mount, Lindelof, and Martial.

“We have tomorrow the final training session and we’ll make final decisions. But if I have to say now, it looks good.”

When asked if Maguire had experienced a setback, Ten Hag responded, “I don’t think so.

“It’s just that he didn’t make it.

“He didn’t heal as we expected.”

Following last year’s defeat to City in the final, Ten Hag is determined to conclude a challenging season on a high note by bringing the FA Cup back to Old Trafford for the first time since 2016.

“It’s all about trophies, and we have a huge opportunity to win one,” the Dutchman said.

“Over the past ten years, this club hasn’t won many trophies, but now we have the chance to win two in two years.”

When asked if winning the FA Cup would be enough to salvage United’s season, Ten Hag replied, “No, but reaching an FA Cup final is a big achievement, and we are there, despite the challenges this season.

“We have an opportunity, and although it’s never easy, we have to go for it and we will.

“We need to believe, just as we did last season and often against strong opponents. We play our best football in these moments, and I expect the same on Saturday.”