Erik ten Hag rules Harry Maguire out of Man City clash

Erik ten Hag has confirmed Harry Maguire will miss this weekend’s Manchester derby and says Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial remain doubts despite returning to training.

Maguire was seen limping out of Wembley after England’s 3-3 draw with Germany on Monday night.

The 29-year-old’s struggles continued during the Nations League clash as he gave away a penalty after half-time and lost the ball before Germany doubled their lead.

Maguire, who remains the most expensive defender in history, started Manchester United’s first two games of the season but was dropped after successive defeats to Brighton and Brentford.

As a result, the England centre-back has been on the bench for United’s last four games and will not play any part in Sunday’s Manchester derby.

Manchester United forwards Rashford and Martial could also be absent at the Etihad despite returning to training during the international break.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, Ten Hag said: ‘Harry Maguire is injured.

‘For the rest we have some doubts with Anthony Martial, but he was training all week with the group so we are really happy with that situation. Marcus Rashford returns into training so we’re also happy with that.’

Asked specifically about Maguire’s struggles, Ten Hag added: ‘I have to coach him and back him. I back him because I believe in him. I can see his qualities.

‘Quality is there. Almost 50 caps for England, he has high potential. Then it is about him. We all believe in him.

‘He is doing quite well, but there is always room for improvement. If he believes in his own skills he will be back, and I am convinced of that. His abilities are really high.’

Manchester United go into the derby sitting three places and five points behind defending champions Manchester City, although they have a game in hand.

Ten Hag’s side won four games in a row before the international break, while Man City are one of only two teams along with Tottenham yet to lose in the English top-flight this season.

On the threat of Man City, Ten Hag said: ‘We need to look to ourselves. We want to win every game. We have to perform at our best. We have to do our best, with a good game plan.

‘Then it about execution. We will have to do 100%. I have played many derbies. I know what they are, the most important game.

‘We don’t play against [Erling] Haaland, we play against Man City. We are convinced of our capabilities. If we act as a team we can beat our opponents.’

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