Manchester United have been dealt a huge blow ahead of Sunday’s derby, with Harry Maguire picking up an injury in training.
The Red Devils captain missed their 3-0 FA Cup victory over Derby County on Thursday evening, and following the full-time whistle Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed it was due to injury rather than him being rested.
“It is touch and go because he rolled his ankle and twisted his ankle,” the United boss commented in his post-match press conference, as reported by Sky Sports News.
“But hopefully he will recover quickly.
“I wasn’t going to rest him today. I didn’t give him the day off birthday wise. So I hope he will be fit.”
Despite being without Maguire, United eased to victory and booked their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, a competition they have high hopes of winning.
Attention turns to the Premier League this weekend for Solskjaer’s men though, and the Red Devils face a huge test at Old Trafford.
Reigning Champions and fierce rivals Manchester City head into the derby clash fresh from their Carabao Cup triumph, looking to make amends from their defeat at the Etihad.
United are chasing a top four finish, as they currently sit in fifth place and are just three points behind Chelsea, with a return to the Champions League their main goal of this season.
There are a number of clubs chasing the Red Devils though, so they are under pressure to avoid a slip-up as it could see them plummet down the table.
Last time that United welcomed their rivals to Old Trafford Maguire was missing in a 3-1 Carabao Cup semi-final defeat, showcasing his importance to the side.
The Red Devils captain will face a race against time to be fit for Sunday, and if he is unable to feature it could dent their hopes of a top four finish.
