Stars of Manchester United have been training for the Community Shield while the defence is having a problem.

Erik ten Hag led Manchester United’s training sessionCredit: Getty

Lisandro Martinez was one of the few defenders to take partCredit: Getty

Joshua Zirkzee was involved in his first session since joining the clubCredit: Getty

Youngster Toby Collyer linked up with the first-team

On Saturday at Wembley Stadium, the Red Devils play their first game of the season against their cross-city foes Manchester City.

Three important players were not at training, so Erik ten Hag will have to think hard before the game.

The Dutch boss might not have Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, or Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the pitch.

Without Maguire, Man United didn’t play their last preseason game against Liverpool.

The three were not seen training with the team, and Ten Hag said there are questions about their availability.

Harry Maguire missed the game as a safety measure, so he’s not sure what will happen on Saturday.

“So we’re training, and we’ll have to check to see if he’s fit enough to suit up.”

“Victor played, but he’s also a question mark. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is the same way.”

“We have to see about [them] tomorrow.”

Ten Hag also said that Luke Shaw would be evaluated since the full-back missed the club’s trip to the US.

The English player was at the Euros in Spain and just got back to Carrington last week.

Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Aaron Wan-Bissaka all missed outCredit: AP

Jadon Sancho is back in the Man United squadCredit: Getty

The team take on Manchester City in the Community Shield this weekend

Lisandro Martinez could play for the Red Devils, but Ten Hag wouldn’t say which player would be involved.

“That is unique to each player, and each has a different background,” he said.

“We gave them all different off-season plans, and they also had different starts in pre-season and the weeks we were in the US.”

“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.”

Three players who will definitely miss out will be Tyrell Malacia, Rasmus Hojlund and summer signing Leny Yoro.

All three of them will miss the start of the Premier League season because they are hurt for a long time.

He also might not be able to play if there is progress in talks between Manchester United and West Ham United.

Joshua Zirkzee was spotted in his first training session with the club and could have a big role to play in Hojlund’s absence.

The forward was beaming as he ran the course with his new teammates.

Ten Hag was adamant, though, that the team he puts together will still be strong.

“The game is about another trophy,” he said over and over.

“So we will put out a team that competitive to win the trophy – but we won’t be going into any big risks.

“We will assess the players on whether they start, are on the bench or don’t play.”