Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has revealed that Harry Maguire did not pick up an injury against Fulham on Friday night, with the centre-back's substitution being planned due to his recent fitness issues.
Maguire missed the end of last season with a muscular problem and was also not able to feature for England at Euro 2024.
However, the 31-year-old played 59 minutes of last weekend's Community Shield against Manchester City, and he then started against Fulham in the Premier League.
Maguire was replaced in the 81st minute of the clash and looked in discomfort when he left the field, but Ten Hag played down the injury fears when questioned on the defender in the aftermath of the contest.
"Not injured, but I had to bring him off as he had a problem. The win is so important, but I am so happy to have no injuries today," Ten Hag told Sky Sports News.
Zirkzee struck winner on Man United debut
Joshua Zirkzee came off the bench to net the winner for Man United, with the Netherlands international scoring on his first appearance for the 20-time English champions, having arrived from Bologna over the summer.
"Scoring for a striker is important and he should be where he was, but he has more qualities and he has to get the right balance - he has to be arriving in the box to get the finishes, but we also want him to link up. We have some great midfielders around him to make up combinations," Ten Hag added.
"First game, but it is good to strengthen the belief. I have seen many spaces where we have to improve but that is normal.
"Subs are always important and it was good to see in the first game that you bring a sub on and he scores the winner. Everyone sees how important subs are and they have to be ready.
"Against Fulham it is always a difficult game, but we defended and pressed very well. After 10 minutes we found our spell in the game and we kept them under pressure. We created a lot of chances and we should have scored earlier and that is the only criticism of the team - kill in the box.
Ten Hag praises debutant Mazraoui
"Two season ago [we had] the most clean sheets in the Premier League. When we have a consistent back four we will defend properly. If you don't have a consistent back four the gaps will come."
Noussair Mazraoui also impressed on his Man United debut, with the Morocco international playing 81 minutes against Fulham at right-back.
"I know Noussair Mazraoui like this. He is a great defender, but he is very composed on the ball - he is not in full condition, when he gets 100% fitness he can do much more. He has to build his fitness," said the manager.
Man United have moved to the top of the Premier League table, and they will now be bidding to make it successive wins in England's top flight when they head to Brighton & Hove Albion next weekend.
Matthijs de Ligt was the team's third debutant against Fulham, with the Netherlands international being introduced in the 81st minute alongside Jonny Evans. body check tags ::
