Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy were observed paying special attention to Joshua Zirkzee at Manchester United’s recent training session, while three major players were absent due to injuries

The Red Devils face cross-city rivals Manchester City in the season opener on Saturday at Wembley Stadium.Erik ten Hag will be scratching his head ahead of the match, though, with three crucial players missing from training.

The Dutch manager may be without defenders Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Maguire missed Manchester United’s most recent preseason game against Liverpool.

The trio were not observed in training with the club, and Ten Hag stated that their availability is in doubt.He stated: “Harry Maguire missed the game as a precaution, and he is a question mark for Saturday.

“So we have training, and we’ll see if he’s fit enough to be available.

“Victor played, but he is still a question mark, as is Azza [Aaron Wan-Bissaka].

“We have to see about [them] tomorrow.”Ten Hag also announced that Luke Shaw will be evaluated after missing the club’s US tour.

The England international competed in the Euros in Spain and returned to Carrington last week.

Lisandro Martinez could play for the Red Devils, but Ten Hag was vague regarding other players’ involvement.

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

“We put them all on off-season regimens, but they all started at different times in pre-season and during the weeks we spent in the United States.

“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.”

Tyrell Malacia, Rasmus Hojlund, and summer signing Leny Yoro will all undoubtedly be absent.

The trio have been ruled out due to long-term ailments and will miss the start of the Premier League season.

Wan-Bissaka may also miss the game if Manchester United and West Ham United reach an agreement.

Joshua Zirkzee was sighted during his first training session with the club and might play a significant part in Hojlund’s absence.

The forward was all grins as he took on the challenge with his new teammates.

Ten Hag, on the other hand, was determined that the team he assembled would remain competitive.

He insisted: “The game is about another prize.