Manchester United handed defensive boost after injury scare ahead of FA Cup semi-final

Harry Maguire is expected to be fit for Manchester United's FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City at Wembley on Sunday.

The 31-year-old clutched his left thigh during the 2-2 Premier League draw with Bournemouth on Saturday and was seen in conversation with physio Richard Merron and doctor Jim Moxon during the first half.

Maguire was not visible in training imagery released by United from their session on Tuesday but it is understood his absence was a precaution and he should be available to start against Coventry.

United manager Erik ten hag said Maguire's improved physical state in the second half helped "repair" United's defensive issues after they trailed 2-1 at the pause, having conceded 12 attempts at goal.

"Harry Maguire had an issue in the first half and luckily for us he overcame and recovered from it," United manager Erik ten Hag said. "You can see the second half he was up there and then he can express his leadership, he can express his defensive qualities and rest on the ball, we especially needed that in this back four."

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"At half-time we repaired it, in the second half, Harry was better, we repaired it on the right side and we took more control of the game."

United are set to be without six senior defenders against Championship side Coventry. Tyrell Malacia is out for the entire season with a knee problem, Luke Shaw (muscular), Victor Lindelof (hamstring), Lisandro Martinez (calf) and Raphael Varane (muscular) are not back until next month and Jonny Evans (knock) could also miss out again.

Maguire has started the last three United games and was partnered by 19-year-old