'We're pleased': Manager suggests Man United duo could still play at Euro 2024 despite doubts

It’s strange to think, really, that Manchester United could have more players representing Denmark than England when the two nations go head-to-head in the group stages of this month’s European Championships.

While Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen are two of the first names on the Danish team sheet, Gareth Southgate spun a major surprise when leaving Marcus Rashford at home.

Now, no one could argue that the 2023/24 was one of the better campaigns of the Manchester United forward’s career. But still, a player of Rashford’s pace, explosiveness and unpredictability could still have come in very handy off the bench in a one-off, knock-out tie.

Lest we forget, it’s only a few months since Rashford pinged a stunner into the Italy net in the game during a 3-1 victory which secured the Three Lions their seat on the plane to Germany.

Manchester United stars facing Euro 2024 frustration

Two of Rashford’s Man United team-mates, meanwhile, are still facing a race against time to be passed fit for the tournament. Harry Maguire, ‘gutted’ to miss out on the FA Cup final, will not be fit enough to play against Bosnia in Monday’s friendly.

Luke Shaw will be absent too, Southgate saying back in May that the left-back was a ‘long shot’ to make the final squad.

But, while providing an update on the fitness of his players on Sunday, Southgate did provide a promising update on the defensive duo, Maguire and Shaw making timely ‘progress’ five days out from the confirmation of England’s final 26-man roster.

“All are progressing well,” Southgate says of the Man United duo, via talkSPORT. “So, we’re pleased with the progress they’ve made.”

TalkSPORT add that neither Maguire or Shaw are expected to feature against Iceland on Friday too. There is a reason, however, why Southgate is reluctant to give up on either.

England kick off Euros campaign later this month

Maguire, for better or for worse, has been one of the manager’s go-to men over the last six years. Shaw, meanwhile, remains the only natural left-back in a team that, should he fail to pass a late fitness test, would have to field either Kieran Trippier or Joe Gomez on the ‘wrong’ flank.

“I have to say, he’s up against it,” Southgate said of Shaw when announcing his preliminary 33-man squad a few weeks back (TalkSPORT, 21 May, 2pm).

“He has missed a lot of football. The fact that he has been our first choice in that position, we are probably giving him a bit more (time) than we might have done. But I am not sure whats realistic at this moment at time.

“I will talk with (Shaw), the medical team. I will liaise with Manchester United closely.

“But he is a long shot.”

Shaw made only 12 Premier League appearances for Erik ten Hag in 2023/24. His most recent appearance came in February’s Hojlund-inspired 2-1 win over Luton Town.