Carrick delivers big fitness update on two Man Utd stars ahead of Newcastle game
Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick has provided a big fitness update on Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire ahead of the Premier League clash against Newcastle United on Wednesday night.
The Red Devils have picked up 19 points from their previous seven league matches, and they are currently third in the standings ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference.
United take on the Magpies at St James’ Park tomorrow. Ahead of the encounter, Carrick has said the club are hopeful of Shaw and Maguire’s involvement.
Shaw was substituted after just 24 minutes of the 2-1 comeback win over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford last weekend.
The left-back sustained a heavy knock to his foot from a rash Daniel Munoz challenge, but the manager clearly highlighted that he was substituted as he was feeling unwell.
Maguire was replaced by Ayden Heaven in the 85th minute of the contest. The central defender was likewise under the weather and could not carry on for the entire game.
Speaking in today’s press conference, Carrick said that the club are ‘working towards’ having the defensive duo fit and they will be given ‘every chance’ to prove their fitness.
He told Manutd.com: “Yeah, we’re hoping so. We’re working towards it. They weren’t feeling too good. We’ve still got a little bit of time to the game and we will just have to see how they feel.
“So we’ll obviously give them every chance. No, it wasn’t an injury, it’s just both of them weren’t feeling too good. So, yeah, it’s one of those things, really. But we’ll just have to see how they are today and tomorrow morning.”
United have had a mixed record against the Magpies in recent years. They have won only two of their previous seven meetings across all competitions.
One of those came on Boxing Day this term. Patrick Dorgu scored the winner with a sumptuous volley.
Dorgu won’t be involved due to a long-term hamstring injury, but United have plenty of quality in their ranks to capitalise and score against an inconsistent Newcastle outfit.
The Red Devils have suffered three defeats and one draw against the Magpies in the last four away league trips. Their previous victory on Tyneside came back in October 2020.
United have already ended away winless league streaks against Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur this year and should fancy ending their wait for a win at St James’ Park tomorrow.
Maguire and Shaw could continue in the starting XI against Newcastle if they pass their late fitness tests, but Lisandro Martinez looks likely to miss out for a third-straight game.
The World Cup winner has been nursing a calf problem over the last few weeks, and judging by Carrick’s latest update, the Argentine may need more time to return to the playing field.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .