Man United have entered the final stretch of the 2020/21 season, with the Red Devils looking to finish the Premier League campaign as runners-up while winning the UEFA Europa League title come later this month. Unfortunately, the English giants could be without one of their most crucial players for their final five games of the season.
That man is none other than Harry Maguire, the Old Trafford captain and ever-present figure in Solskjaer's back four. The English center-back picked up an ankle injury in the recent victory over Aston Villa and while the defender is "hopeful of being fit" for the Europa League final, according to the Sun, he could be in a race against time to recover.
The 28-year-old is awaiting scan results to determine the length of his absence. Nonetheless, he is tipped to sit out Man United's upcoming showdowns with former club Leicester and bitter rivals Liverpool, set to take place this midweek.
Furthermore, Solskjaer might opt to rest Maguire against Fulham and Wolves, the final two games of the season, in order to protect him for May 26's Europa League final. The Red Devils set up a showdown with Unai Emery's Villarreal after dispatching Roma with ease in the semis as they look to lift their first piece of silverware under Ole's tenure.
Since arriving at Old Trafford, Maguire has played every single Premier League minute for the 20-time English champions. However, should the Englishman's ankle injury turn out to be more serious than initially expected, the issue will become more than a Man United worry.
With the European Championship set to take place this summer, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate will be closely monitoring the situation and will likely demand the player be protected for the upcoming Euros. It will be interesting to see how Maguire's fitness situation develops amid such a crucial part of the season.
