Man United take on Villarreal in the Europa League final on Wednesday and in a major setback, defender Harry Maguire is not likely to feature for the Premier League side.
The central defender has been ever-present for Manchester United this season, playing in 34 Premier League games but he has missed the previous few matches after picking up an ankle injury.
Initially, Solskjaer was pretty optimistic about Harry Maguire being fit for the final but the defender did not train in the final training session so he is most likely going to remain on the bench in Gdansk.
“We’ve prepared well. Anthony didn’t make it, Phil didn’t make it, of course, and Harry is just going to jog up and down the sidelines [in training],” said the manager in his pre-match press conference.
“I reckon he’ll try to join in a bit. Apart from that, we’re looking quite good.
“It’s always difficult to leave players out throughout the whole season. A final is a reward for what’s been done in the whole season then, if there’s a doubt between a couple, it’s the form in the latter stages, of course.
“We’ll enjoy the last session and the players will get the team tomorrow [Wednesday].
”I’ll tell the team, especially the subs that are not starting, you may have to play a big part for us. As it’s happened before. Be disappointed, be angry with me but be ready when you come on. Whoever starts, make sure you enjoy it because you don’t play too many finals in your life.”
Will Harry Maguire play in the Europa League final?
Harry Maguire watched from the sidelines as Man United wrapped up their final training session but some people feel Ole is just protecting him for the final.
Harry Maguire sitting in the dugout unable to join in with #mufc training 😢 #UELfinal pic.twitter.com/dW0ZMUixWE
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) May 25, 2021
There’s a slight chance that the centre-back has returned to full fitness but can only play on Wednesday which is why he was left out from the training. But all the facts, as of now, point towards Harry Maguire starting as a substitute against Villarreal.
The Man United manager has the option of using either Eric Bailly or Axel Tuanzebe in central defence alongside Victor Lindelof and given this is the Europa League final, Solskjaer is more likely to put his faith in Bailly.
