27 April 2023 , 20:11
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Harry Maguire was left out of Manchester United's squad for their game against Tottenham Hotspur after picking up an injury in training.
When asked about Maguire's absence ahead of the game, Ten Hag told MUTV: "[It is a] training injury. It's a training injury. But we have proved we can sort it out. And I'm convinced we can do it today as well."
With Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez also currently out injured, having picked up injuries against Sevilla earlier this month, full-back Luke Shaw was picked to partner Victor Lindelof in the heart of defence. It is the eighth time Shaw has filled in at centre-back this season and the 27-year-old recently opened up about the switch in roles.
"Obviously it's not easy," he admitted last week. "If it was in a three, it's a bit different. But when it's two, it's a lot different, to be honest. So it's something new but I love playing there, I love playing football."
There was some good news for United, though, as talisman Bruno Fernandes was fit enough to start after he picked up a knock in the FA Cup semi-final victory over Brighton. Fernandes had been pictured wearing a protective boot after the game, but Ten Hag had no concerns about starting him against Spurs.
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"Of course he's ready," Ten Hag added when asked about Fernandes. "It is Bruno Fernandes and he's tough.
Luke Shaw once again filled in at centre-back in Maguire's absence (Getty Images)"He takes responsibility, he wants to play and of course we're happy he's there because he's a massive player for us who has a big impact in every game. He's our captain, so we are really happy."
Ten Hag ended up making just one change from the team which beat Brighton on penalties, with Jadon Sancho replacing Anthony Martial. "We have to manage his [Martial's] load," Ten Hag explained.
"That's one thing. Another thing is Jadon is doing very well, Martial is also doing well, but we have to choose and can choose from a tactical perspective. So for today, we make this choice, but Sunday we can do different – with the number of games we have to play and we have in our legs already, we have to rotate a bit."