Manchester United unsung hero is even more important after 62nd fitness blow of the season

Manchester United could have just one fit centre-back when they travel to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League tonight.

Erik ten Hag's side have been handed a huge injury blow ahead of the match with Harry Maguire expected to be sidelined for around three weeks after he sustained a muscle injury in training.

The England international hopes to be fit for the European Championship in Germany this summer and there is still a chance he could feature in the FA Cup final against Man City at the end of the month.

Maguire's injury setback is yet another blow to United's hopes in a disappointing campaign that has seen them ravaged by injury throughout. The latest injury means there have now been 62 individual instances of injury or illness that have caused a first-team player to miss a competitive match this season.

Those fitness issues have been felt the hardest in defence, with Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Willy Kambwala also currently sidelined through injury.

Casemiro looks set to keep his starting role in central defence for the trip to Selhurst Park, while Ten Hag will be hoping Jonny Evans is fit enough to start after he returned to training last week. The Irishman was only expected to play a peripheral role this season, but has been one of United's unsung hero with 25 appearances across all competitions, including a notable clean sheet in the goalless draw at Anfield.

Evans, 36, is out of contract at the end of the season and it remains to be seen whether or not he will be offered a one-year extension by the club.