Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd masterplan suffers immediate setback as huge blow confirmed

Erik ten Hag, who is battling to save his job at Old Trafford, had been willing to give Harry Maguire a run of games after poor performances from Matthijs De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez

Harry Maguire has been ruled out of action for up to four weeks in another blow to under-pressure Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. 

Maguire returned to the United starting line-up for Sunday’s goalless draw at Aston Villa, but was forced out of the game at half-time with a calf problem. The United and England defender has since undergone scans in Manchester, which have revealed a slight tear, which is expected to be sidelined him for up to a month.

Maguire said: “Frustrated to pick up an injury at the weekend. Will be a few weeks on the sideline for me, but I’ll come back stronger.” The 31-year old centre-back, left out of the latest England squad, is also now doubtful to be fit for the squad named next month.

Interim boss Lee Carsley had been expected to recall Maguire for November’s games against Greece and Republic of Ireland, but is likely to have to do without him.

Ten Hag, who is battling to save his job at Old Trafford following a woeful start to the season, had been willing to give Maguire a run of games after poor performances from Matthijs De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez.

De Ligt and Martinez were both dropped from for the trip to Villa Park, in favour of Maguire and Jonny Evans, the latter named man of the match after the 36-year-old’s outstanding display in helping United to earn a point.