Newcastle United handed boost as Man Utd sweating over £80m star's fitness for FA Cup final

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire says he is “touch and go” for Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.

The 31-year-old sustained a muscle injury at the beginning of May, throwing his participation at Wembley into doubt. He missed the remaining four games of the campaign against Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Casemiro and Jonny Evans formed an unlikely partnership before Lisandro Martinez came in alongside Casemiro at centre-back for the final Premier League day at Brighton last weekend.

With Raphael Varane also returning to the bench, Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag could be spoilt for choice should Maguire be passed fit. However, the England international is still unsure over whether or not he’ll make the game.

Maguire told talkSPORT: "Obviously it’s disappointing and a frustrating time to get injured. I still don’t know if I’m going to be fit. It’s going to be a late one. I’m hoping to be fit for the squad for the FA Cup final but it will be touch and go."

Newcastle are hoping any blow for Man United in the build-up to the FA Cup final is their gain.

After finishing 7th in the Premier League table, Eddie Howe’s side need Man City to win in order to secure a spot in next season’s Europa Conference League.

If Ten Hag’s men lift the cup, the Magpies will be robbed of Europe altogether. The Europa League spot would go to the Red Devils while the Conference League place would go to 6th place Chelsea.