Man Utd get major boost as defender 'pushing' for quick return as manager's eye Erik ten Hag's job

Manchester United's chances of securing a top-four finish suffered another blow on Sunday after they were beaten 3-1 at Manchester City. Marcus Rashford opened the scoring for United but Phil Foden's brace flipped the scoreline on its head before Erling Haaland's added-time effort.

Erik ten Hag's side are now 11 points away from Aston Villa in fourth but do have a full week to recover before back-to-back home games against relegation candidates Everton and Sheffield United. In the meantime, ManchesterWorld has rounded up some of the latest stories to come out of Old Trafford.

Maguire 'pushing' to return

Harry Maguire has missed United's last two games through injury but is reportedly closing in on a return to fitness. The Daily Mail reports that Maguire is 'pushing through the pain barrier' in the hope of being available for Saturday's visit of Everton to Old Trafford.

The 30-year-old is the latest United player to have picked up an issue in what has been a torrid season in terms of fitness. Ten Hag had just five fit senior defenders for Sunday's derby, having to play Diogo Dalot at left-back, Victor Lindelof at right-back and introducing Willy Kambwala off the bench.

Maguire has been excellent for United when called upon, despite being up for sale throughout last summer, and is hoping to be back involved this weekend before United host his former club Sheffield United next week.

Managerial approaches

Ten Hag's future at United remains uncertain and reports suggest representatives of several managers have approached the club to scope out the situation. ESPN reports that United have been receptive to the approaches and taken on board what potential options have in mind for the future.

Consecutive Premier League defeats have once again thrown Ten Hag's future into doubt and failure to secure a Champions League spot for next season could prove the final straw. United players remain supportive of their manager but reportedly expect him to be sacked in the summer regardless.

Out-of-work managers are said to have put their names forward to replace the Dutchman, should he leave, although no specific names are mentioned in the report. No decision is expected on Ten Hag until the end of the season.