Harry has to keep an eye on the final prize

HARRY MAGUIRE must make Manchester United his priority and win his fitness fight for the Europa League final.

The Old Trafford skipper is unlikely to play in the Premier League again this season but could still return for the final against Villarreal in Gdansk on May 26.

Maguire (above) suffered ankle ligament damage in Sunday’s 3-1 win at Aston Villa.

The central defender, 28, was forced off in the 78th minute, ending a run of having played every minute of every league game since his £85million move from Leicester in 2019.

With Euro 2020 starting in under a month, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was asked if there was any concern about rushing Maguire back too soon and potentially damaging his chances of representing England.

But Solskjaer, looking to win his first trophy as United boss, said Maguire would play against Villarreal if he is fit.

He said: “You always look after players longterm, so if he’s fit, he’ll play for us. If he’s not, he won’t.

“We’re hopeful he’s ready and, if he’s ready for us, he’ll be ready for the Euros. Norway are not in the Euros, so I’m not really that concerned.

“The good news is it wasn’t broken, there was no fracture. But a ligament injury is serious.

“If I say I’m very positive, that’s maybe stretching it, but I’m hopeful he might be ready for it.

“I don’t think he’ll play in the league again, but we’ll do everything we can to get him ready for the final.”

There will be a heavy police presence and increased security at Old Trafford tonight for the rearranged game against Liverpool, which was called off on May 2 after around 200 protesters stormed the stadium and the pitch.

With more protests planned, huge steel barriers have been put up on the main forecourt, to prevent a repeat of the violent scenes which saw scores of anti-Glazer protestors gain illegal access to the stadium.

United can deal Liverpool’s hopes of Champions League football next season a huge blow by beating them. Having played a weakened team in Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat by Leicester – which led to Manchester City being crowned champions – Solskjaer will start with a much stronger line-up in their third match in five days.

He added: “My job is Manchester United and my concern is the United fans. What they think about my team, what they want from my team is that we come together as one and show what Man United is.”