Man Utd injury boost as Harry Maguire ditches crutches for Fergie film premiere

Harry Maguire has sparked optimism that he could be fit for Manchester United’s Europa League final clash with Villarreal after he was seen walking without crutches at the premiere of Sir Alex Ferguson’s new film.

The United skipper has been sidelined since injuring his ankle against Aston Villa two weeks ago, limping out of the contest and missing subsequent Premier League matches against Leicester, Liverpool and Fulham – all of which the side have failed to win.

Maguire has attended each of those matches on crutches and wearing a protective boot, watching his teammates from the stands, and with under one week to go until the Europa League final fears were growing that he would miss the match.

But Maguire has got United fans hoping he may be able to pull off a miraculous recovery after he ditched the crutches and boot to make a red-carpet appearance on Thursday evening.

The England international was attending the premiere screening of Sir Alex’s new documentary, Never Give In, and appeared in good spirits as he laughed and joked with the United legend.

Maguire was one of several United stars to attend the event, with academy graduates Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay and Brandon Williams also there as well as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Phil Jones.

United used Axel Tuanzebe at left centre-back in the absence of Maguire against Fulham and there have been suggestions Solskjaer will opt for the youngster alongside Victor Lindelof – in his natural position at right centre-back – rather than Eric Bailly.

Even if Maguire is not fit for the trip to Gdansk next week to take on Villarreal, his progress suggests he will be recovered in time to play a part in England’s European Championship campaign.

Gareth Southgate names his squad next Tuesday, a day before the Europa League final, and England’s first group game of the tournament is on June 13 against Croatia – giving Maguire just over three weeks to get back up to speed.

After initially being upbeat about Maguire’s chances of playing against Villarreal, Solskjaer’s tone changed this week, saying of his skipper: ‘We are working on him. It doesn’t look great.’

Speaking about his injury in United’s matchday programme, Maguire said: ‘Basically, he [Villa player Anwar el Ghazi] just fell on me and put all his weight on me and I ended up twisting my ankle. It wasn’t a muscle injury, so it was a bit unfortunate and very frustrating.

‘I was very disappointed on the night and the day after, but I’ve come to terms with it. I’ve got to be positive. I’ve got to look forward and make sure when I’m ready to come back that I’m fully fit, raring to go and can pick up where I left off.’

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