Why Harry Maguire missed Man Utd vs Liverpool & Erik ten Hag’s first game in charge

Harry Maguire missed Manchester United’s pre-season clash with Liverpool on Tuesday due to injury.

The club reported on their official website: “Harry is not in the squad after picking up a slight knock. The United captain and England international trained individually on Monday, away from the main group in our open session.”

The club added it is hoped Maguire will be fit in time for their next game, which comes against Melbourne Victory on Friday.

The Red Devils began pre-season in Bangkok and faced Liverpool in their opening match, which was also Erik ten Hag’s maiden game in charge of United.

The Dutchman confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Maguire would continue to be club captain despite media scrutiny of his position throughout much of last season.

“I have to get to know all the players, but he’s an established captain and he’s achieved a lot of success,” Ten Hag told the media.

Maguire’s place as skipper was repeatedly questioned last term, especially given his indifferent form and the status of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes in the United squad.

It is the latter who deputised for Maguire as captain on Tuesday, with Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane playing at centre-back in the England interntional’s absence.

Ten Hag named a strong side for his first game in charge, with the back five made up of David de Gea, Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw.

It’s the familiar duo of Scott McTominay and Fred in the middle of the park, with Fernandes expected to play further forward.

Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford started in the wide areas, with Anthony Martial up front after returning to the club this summer from a loan spell in Spain.

Sole summer signing Tyrell Malacia started on the bench, as did Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Donny van de Beek.