If Maguire misses the final, it will be a big blow to the club as the defender has always been ever-present in the Premier League.
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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has conceded that Harry Maguire is unlikely to be fit in time for the Europa League final against Villarreal on 26th May. The English defender has been an ever-present in the Premier League since his arrival at Old Trafford in the summer of 2019 from Leicester City. But, two weeks ago, he was forced off at Aston Villa with ankle ligament damage. With Maguire already out of Sunday’s final league match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, he could be a big miss in Gdansk if he does not recover on time for the final.
“He’s walking but it’s a long way from walking to running so, to be honest, I don’t think we’ll see him in Gdansk, no,” said the United boss during Friday’s pre-match press conference. “But, as I’ve said so many times, I’m going to give him until Tuesday night, the last training session, and see if he can try to be out there. Steadily but surely he’s improving but ligaments, they take time to heal.”
Solskjaer feels even if Maguire does not get fit on time, he will play an important role off the field. “He’s a very important person in the dressing room and a leader,” he added. “Before the fans came in, I think you all heard him from the stands.”
“He does still want the team to do well, of course, he’s organising even from the stands, which has been easy because it’s been so quiet. So, he’ll come, he’ll be in the dressing room, he’ll make sure everyone’s ready for the final.”
Ole informed that Anthony Martial will not be available on Sunday, but Fred and Scott McTominay are doing fine. “I know Anthony is not going to be available. Scott and Fred should be okay,” he added.
Despite second place being guaranteed in the Premier League, Solskjaer said that every game “matters” for the team.
“Every game matters, every game you play matters. For the players who are on the pitch, it’s an important preparation for the final. Get confidence, get momentum, as you say. Of course, a final lives its own life,” he explained.
