Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick has provided a crucial fitness update on defenders Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw ahead of the Premier League clash with Newcastle United on Wednesday evening.
Illness Concerns for Key Defenders
Both Maguire and Shaw were forced to withdraw during Manchester United's recent victory over Crystal Palace due to illness, raising concerns about their availability for the midweek fixture. Shaw was substituted in the first half, replaced by Noussair Mazraoui, while Maguire exited in the second half, making way for Ayden Heaven.
Carrick confirmed that neither player sustained an injury, emphasising that their withdrawals were solely due to feeling unwell. The manager has given the duo additional time to prove their fitness before the trip to St James' Park.
Optimism for Recovery
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Carrick expressed optimism about their potential recovery. "We're hoping so. We're working toward it," he stated when questioned about their availability. "They weren't feeling too good, so we've still got a bit of time to the game and we'll just have to see how they feel. We'll obviously give them every chance."
Both defenders travelled with the squad to Tyneside on Tuesday afternoon, indicating the club's hope that they will be fit to start. Carrick added, "It wasn't an injury. Both of them weren't feeling too good. It's one of them things really, but we'll just have to see how they are today and tomorrow morning."
Additional Absences for United
Manchester United face further selection headaches, with Lisandro Martinez and Mason Mount unlikely to feature against Newcastle. Martinez has missed the last two matches with a calf problem, while Mount has been absent for five games due to a training injury. Neither player has returned to full training.
Additionally, Matthijs de Ligt continues to manage a back issue and hasn't featured for United since the end of November, further depleting defensive options.
The fitness of Maguire and Shaw will be crucial for Carrick's side as they aim to secure a positive result at St James' Park, with both players being key components of United's defensive structure this season.
