Harry Maguire: Positive injury update issued on Manchester United defender | OneFootball

A very positive injury update has been provided on Manchester United star Harry Maguire ahead of Sunday’s meeting at Aston Villa.

Amorim dealing with defensive crisis

Maguire has not featured for United since early November, when he was taken off during the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

He has been dealing with a thigh injury, which has caused him to miss United’s last five Premier League appearances.

The England international has not been the only significant defensive absence. He has been joined on the treatment table by Matthijs de Ligt, who had been a consistent presence in Ruben Amorim’s preferred three-man defensive unit.

De Ligt has not featured in United’s last three matches due to a back problem.

Maguire and De Ligt’s fitness issues, coupled with the fact that Lisandro Martinez is still working himself to full fitness after an ACL injury that ruled him out for months, have forced Amorim to deploy a young duo of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven alongside the more experienced Luke Shaw.

While  Yoro and Heaven are undeniable talents, disappointing draws against West Ham and Bournemouth made it clear they still have some way to go before they can be fully trusted to anchor the back on their own.

However, there is some good news for Amorim, with Samuel Luckhurst of The Sun reporting that Maguire is very close to making a sensational return.

Maguire injury update

According to Luckhurst, “Manchester United are set to welcome back Harry Maguire to ease their defensive crisis.”

“United have not rushed back Maguire ahead of the start of the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday now that they are without Noussair Mazraoui.”

“Amorim admitted last week that Maguire ‘sometimes has an issue’ and the club have afforded him more recovery time.”

Luckhurst notes that in a clear departure from Erik ten Hag’s methods, Amorim prioritises a cautious and patient process for returning players over a swift reintroduction.

Featured image Michael Reagan via Getty Images

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