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Solskjaer gives an update on Maguire ahead of Europa final

Maguire
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 27: Harry Maguire of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Sheffield United at Old Trafford on January 27, 2021 in Manchester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Tim Keeton -
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains unsure if captain Harry Maguire will be fit in time to feature for Man United against Villarreal in the Europa.

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted it ‘doesn’t look great’ for Harry Maguire as faces a race against time to prove his fitness before the Europa League final.

The United captain picked up an ankle knock in a 3-1 win against Aston Villa, causing concern over his availability for the European showpiece on May 26.

Solskjaer had previously said that Maguire was feeling ‘positive’ about the situation and that they would make a last-minute call on the England defender ahead of the final, but now admits ‘it doesn’t look great’ with just seven days to go.

Speaking in his post-match press conference after United’s 1-1 draw with Fulham on Tuesday, Solskjaer gave an injury update on the defender.

He said to Sky Sports: “Harry [Maguire] we’re working on, doesn’t look great.”

The news come shortly after Solskjaer admitted Maguire was optimistic he would be back in time for the match against Villarreal.

Speaking ahead of the Fulham match, the United boss had said: ‘Hopefully we can have good news early but I’ll give it a while on Harry.

“He’s shown his importance. I felt I became a very good player when I was injured. People realise what you can do.”

“Harry is our leader and he’s been a big miss at the moment. I’ll give him as long as he needs before he says yes or no”.

“He’s making progress but we don’t want to test it out too early. Harry wants this so much but he doesn’t want to take risks either.”

“When I spoke to him this morning, he was quite positive. We have to be positive and think he’s going to make it, until we have to say no. I’ve always been an optimist.”

Maguire would be a huge loss for United as his interception, aerial duel and passing statistics are among the league’s best.

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