Manchester United centre-back, Harry Maguire, has confirmed an extended spell on the sidelines following a lower leg injury sustained during a scoreless draw against Aston Villa. The incident adds further pressure on Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag amidst a challenging season.
Maguire limped off the field at half time during Sunday's Aston Villa match. The defender was recalled to the starting XI by Ten Hag but had to leave due to an injury he picked up while defending a set piece. Post-match, he was seen leaving Villa Park wearing a protective boot, indicating the severity of his condition.
In an Instagram post, Maguire expressed his frustration and confirmed that he would be out for several weeks. "Frustrated to pick up an injury at the weekend," he wrote, "will be a few weeks on the sideline for me but I'll come back stronger."
Uncertainty over Ten Hag’s future
The timing of this setback is particularly unfortunate as it coincides with speculation over Ten Hag’s future with Manchester United. With just eight points from their first seven league games and fewer goals than newly promoted Southampton, there are questions about whether Ten Hag will still be in charge when Maguire returns.
Adding fuel to these speculations is England interim head coach Lee Carsley's decision to drop Maguire from this week's Nations League double header against Greece and Finland.
Board meeting amidst speculation
United’s board is scheduled for a meeting in London on Tuesday where Ten Hag’s future is expected among discussion topics. Sir Jim Ratcliffe led United's power brokers into his Knightsbridge offices earlier for this meeting that had been arranged before doubts over Ten Hag's future arose.
Despite signing a contract extension in summer after winning the FA Cup, dismal results have put ten Hag under scrutiny with potential successors already being considered.
Maguire's injury and the uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s future present a challenging time for Manchester United. As fans and stakeholders await the outcome of board discussions, the team will need to regroup and strategize for upcoming matches without their key defender. Despite these challenges, Maguire's Instagram post promises a strong return, providing some hope amidst the current turmoil.
