UNDER-FIRE Erik ten Hag has been thrown a curve-ball after Harry Maguire was helped off the pitch by a doctor at Villa Park.
The England defender was removed at half-time after being handed a shock Manchester United start for Sunday’s all-important Premier League clash.
Maguire’s knee looked to have locked during a Villa set piece on the brink of half-time with the score at 0-0.
The back of his sock was completely ripped, with a huge hole showing his full calf as keeper Andre Onana assisted him to the sidelines.
Maguire was holding his calf as he was helped off by three members of Man Utd’s medical staff after referee’s Robert Jones’ whistle.
His counterpart Jonny Evans also looked to be struggling in the first half after crunching challenge on Leon Bailey.
The pair were subsequently subbed at the interval, with Matthijs de Ligt and Victor Lindelof brought on as replacements.
Maguire picked up a yellow card for leaning into Ollie Watkins’ face with his arm in the 36th minute.
The 31-year-old missed Euro 2024 amid ongoing issues with his calf.
Man Utd now face an anxious wait over their former captain, who scored a last-gasp equaliser for Ten Hag’s side in a 3-3 draw with Porto in the Europa League on Thursday.
Ten Hag is under mounting pressure to save his job following a nightmare start to the season.
SunSport reported this week that the Dutchman had two games to persuade Old Trafford chiefs of his ability.
All eyes are currently on Villa Park to see if Man Utd can get a result.
But with Maguire off, Villa have stepped up the intensity after a pretty tame first 45 minutes from both sides.
