Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag confirmed on Thursday that several key defenders could miss the customary season-opening Community Shield match against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

New signing Leny Yoro will be out for three months owing to a foot injury, while fellow centre back Will Fish suffered ligament damage in a friendly versus Liverpool.

The Dutch manager also expressed concerns about the availability of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and fullbacks Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw.

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“Harry Maguire missed the game (against Liverpool), was a precaution but is still a question mark for Saturday,” Ten Hag told reporters.

“So we have training, we have to see whether he is fit enough or not to be available.

“Victor (Lindelof) played but also he’s a question mark and also Azza (Wan-Bissaka) and Luke Shaw are both question marks, we have to assess them tomorrow (Friday).”

Ten Hag mentioned that Argentine international Lisandro Martinez could be a defensive option, but he did not provide return dates for players who joined the group late due to international obligations.

“That is (on an) individual basis and every [player] has a different background,” he added.

“So from individual to individual we will assess them and make a decision whether they start, come from the bench or they don’t play.”

Striker Rasmus Hojlund will miss the match due to injury, allowing Joshua Zirkzee to make his United debut less than a month after coming from Italian club Bologna.

United defeated champions City 2-1 in the FA Cup final in May, putting on a superb display.

“So, we always want to win,” Ten Hag explained.

“It’s about a trophy, we will put out a team that is very competitive to win this trophy.”