Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has been named in the club’s travelling squad for the Europa League final as he battles to be passed fit.
The centre-back was a huge doubt ahead of the showpiece in Gdansk against Unai Emery’s Villarreal on Thursday night, but he hopes he will be passed fit in Poland as boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues to monitor his situation.
However, Anthony Martial – who has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford – has been left out of the 26-man group looking to secure a first trophy since 2017.
The Frenchman has been linked with a move away from United this summer, with Tottenham being mooted as a possible destination. The club are said to be interested in Harry Kane, and the forward has been suggested as a makeweight in their negotiations.
United, who are heading to Poland on Monday evening, are bidding to win the competition for the second time in the last four years. Nemanja Matic posted a photo alongside team-mate Edinson Cavani on the plane as they gear up for a crucial week.
Maguire missed the final four games of the Premier League season after picking up the niggling ankle problem during the 3-1 win against Aston Villa.
Solskjaer has insisted Maguire still faces a race to be fit for the final despite his inclusion, with the Norwegian set to wait until the day of the game before making a decision on whether he is fit enough. He will have another fitness test on Tuesday.
Last week he had poured doubt on Maguire being passed fit, saying he was ‘steadily improving’ but was still ‘a long way’ from moving to running in sessions.
‘He’s walking but it’s a long way from walking to running,’ said the United boss. ‘To be honest I don’t think we’ll see him in Gdansk, no, but I’m going to give him until Tuesday night and the last training session to be out there. Steadily but surely he’s improving – but ligaments take time to heal.’
But Maguire’s presence in the dressing room will still be of huge importance to United whether he plays or not, with Solskjaer hailing his leadership skills.
‘He’s a very important person in the dressing-room and a leader,’ he added.
‘Before fans came back in you heard him from the stands. He wants the team to do well, he’s organising from the stands. It’s easy because it’s been so quiet. He’ll make sure everyone’s ready for the final.’
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