(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has confirmed that Harry Maguire’s half-time withdrawal on Sunday was due to a ‘back spasm’.
Manchester United’s No.5 was replaced by youngster Ayden Heaven at the interval, when the scoreline was tied at 2-2.
Michael Carrick confirms that Harry Maguire went off at half-time with a "back spasm" #mufc — Steven Railston (@StevenRailston) November 8, 2026
Harry Maguire misses second half vs Aston Villa
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Harry Maguire of Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD4 match between Manchester United and AS Roma at Old Trafford on November 03, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Another four goals were scored in the second half, with both United and Aston Villa eventually settling for a point apiece after a jam-packed affair at Old Trafford.
"Football is a contact sport!" 🗣️ Did Senne Lammens foul Zion Suzuki for Man United's equaliser? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/KCb1lHqPHP — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 8, 2026
The result leaves United in the relegation zone for the next fortnight, and their winless streak was extended to eight games.
Alas, it remains to be seen if Carrick will retain his job over the international break, or whether INEOS will decide that now is the most appropriate time to make a change.
How Maguire has been faring
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Harry Maguire of Manchester United looks on during the training session on the day before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester United and Sabah at Carrington Training Ground on September 09, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
As for Maguire, he was not called up to the England squad, so he will be using the next two weeks to rest.
The 33-year-old has started all 10 Premier League games this season and played the full 90 minutes in nine of them.
"We deserved that little bit of luck" Harry Maguire discusses Manchester United's controversial second goal where he appeared to handle the ball 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/AY3vWRCxZZ — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 30, 2026
In Europe, he has racked up 188 minutes of action, starting twice and coming off the bench once in United’s Champions League group-phase fixtures.
When club action resumes towards the end of the month, United are thrown straight back into the deep end with an away clash at Anfield on Sunday, November 22.
If there’s one game that they’d hope to clinch their first win since August in, it’ll undoubtedly be that one.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Manchester United players take part in a minutes silence ahead of Remembrance Day before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Aston Villa FC at Old Trafford on November 08, 2026 in Manchester, England.
Not only Carrick – OT fans applauded two Man Utd stars after surreal draw Nov 8 2026, 20:57
Luckhurst insists ‘lazy’ Man Utd star should be dropped as Carrick spotted moaning at him Nov 8 2026, 19:01
Related Items:Harry Maguire, Michael Carrick