Why Harry Maguire came off for Man Utd at half-time vs Aston Villa

Manchester United played out a chaotic draw at Old Trafford against Aston Villa, but Harry Maguire was present for only half of it.

Michael Carrick made a change at half-time against Aston Villa as Harry Maguire came off for Ayden Heaven at centre-back.

Maguire was far from poor, and Leny Yoro seemed to play better with a senior partner next to him, so that decision was a bit curious.

The reason for Maguire coming off at half-time was revealed by Carrick after the game and while it’s not ideal, at least the timing is good.

Harry Maguire’s issue vs Aston Villa

As the bodies around him keep falling to injuries, Maguire has been a beacon of consistency and reliability, even if his form leaves a lot to be desired at times.

He is the first name on the teamsheet under Carrick, for better or worse, and he’s usually someone who plays through the pain.

Therefore, Man Utd fans were left wondering how serious things were when he was subbed off at half-time vs Villa.

Carrick explained after the game that Maguire had a “really bad back spasm”, which is a new issue for him and made it so that he couldn’t continue.

The positive thing is that United’s next game is about two weeks away, and Maguire isn’t going for international duties, so he can rest up.

It is likely that he will be back for the game against Liverpool without missing any time, so the timing of the injury is good at least.

At the same time, it sheds light on the chronic injury problems at Old Trafford, exposing the lack of depth due to a poor transfer window.

If Maguire is not fit in two weeks, United could field Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven at Anfield, or an undercooked Matthijs de Ligt.

That spot in the relegation zone suddenly doesn’t look so unrealistic anymore.