Harry Maguire won’t be in Manchester United’s squad to take on Everton at Old Trafford on Monday night, but this might not be such a negative.
Premier League football is back after the final international break of the year, and Manchester United welcome Everton to Old Trafford, with some key absentees.
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Ruben Amorim ruled out three United players on Friday, among them Harry Maguire, with Benjamin Sesko and Kobbie Mainoo also expected to miss out.
On the surface of things, this feels like a pretty big loss for the squad and almost guarantees youth on the bench. But Maguire’s absence might not be as fatal as it seems.
Harry Maguire celebrating against Liverpool
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United have better record without Harry Maguire than with
Over the past 12 months, Maguire has become invaluable to United; however, despite this, his absence isn’t going to be as critical as expected.
After the news that Maguire will miss the clash against Everton, it is worth noting that the English centre-back hasn’t always meant good fortunes for United.
This season, United have started Maguire six times, and this has seen three defeats, one draw and two wins.
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:red_circle: Man Utd 2025/26 Premier League Results
Status Total Games Wins (W) Draws (D) Losses (L)
Maguire Started 6 2 1 3
Maguire NOT Started 5 3 2 0
*Data covers 11 Premier League matches played up to November 8, 2025.
Contrasting this, with Maguire not starting, United have been unbeaten in five games, with three wins and two draws. This raises the argument that United are actually better without Maguire right now.
Maguire is currently set to depart United in 2026, and this record won’t go in his favour when requesting a renewal.
Why Manchester United might be better without Harry Maguire
This record is no fluke, with Maguire playing in a variety of games, but there is an explanation for this.
Maguire’s best performances have come in games where United are almost expected to drop back and give up possession to the opponents.
Man United’s last 5 results vs Everton
Man United are unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches against Everton…
Everton 2-2 Man Utd (22 Feb, 2025)
Man Utd 4-0 Everton (01 Dec, 2024)
Man Utd 2-0 Everton (09 Mar, 2024)
Everton 0-3 Man Utd (26 Nov, 2023)
Man Utd 2-0 Everton (08 Apr, 2023)
This explains why Maguire was excellent against Liverpool, a game where United didn’t have to push the defensive line too high. But then, in games where United want to dominate, Maguire is more of a vulnerability as he isn’t equipped to push high given his lack of speed.
Against Everton, this will be the set-up, as the Toffees look to hit United on the counter, and therefore, it is a good game for the Englishman to miss out on.
Instead, Leny Yoro will start, with his speed allowing United to push further forward and hopefully take all three points.