Harry Maguire is facing Europa League final heartache - with the defender unlikely to be fit to face Villarreal.
The Manchester United skipper remains on crutches after suffering ankle ligament damage and is almost certain to miss next Wednesday's final in Gdansk.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had said Maguire was “quite optimistic” about recovering in time for the final, but is now facing up to the prospect of missing out.
England international Maguire has not played since coming off injured in the second-half of United's 3-1 win at Aston Villa on May 9.
It was the first time Maguire has missed a minute of Premier League action since his £85million move from Leicester to United back in August 2019.
But Solskjaer is increasingly resigned to not being able to call upon Maguire as he looks to secure his first trophy as United boss.
"We’re working on Harry, but it doesn’t look great,” said Solskjaer.
United have other injury concerns, notably first-choice midfield duo Scott McTominay and Fred, both of whom suffered problems in Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Fulham.
McTominay went straight down the tunnel after he was forced off after 62 minutes, while Fred played the full 90 minutes despite picking up a problem.
“We’ve had a couple of players that have got injuries, in Scott and Fred, so I’ll see how they are,” said Solskjaer.
"Unfortunately, Scott had to come off and Fred doesn’t look great while he’s walking now, but we’ve got eight days, so hopefully everyone will be available who was available for this game.”
On Anthony Martial, who has been out March 21 with a knee injury, Solskjaer said: "He’s working really hard and we’re hoping he’ll be available for the final.
“He’s been very enthusiastic, so I can’t say he won’t be fit for the final but. of course, he’s been out for a long time. I’m still hopeful."
