A very positive injury update has been provided on Manchester United star Harry Maguire ahead of Sunday’s meeting at Aston Villa. Amorim dealing with defensive crisis Maguire has not featured for United since early November, when he was taken off during the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur. He has been dealing with a thigh injury, which has caused him to miss United’s last five Premier League appearances. The England international has not been the only significant defensive absence. He has been joined on the treatment table by Matthijs de Ligt, who had been a consistent presence in Ruben Amorim’s preferred three-man defensive unit. De Ligt has not featured in United’s last three matches due to a back problem. Maguire and De Ligt’s fitness issues, coupled with the fact that Lisandro Martinez is still working himself to full fitness after an ACL injury that ruled him out for months, have forced Amorim to deploy a young duo of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven alongside the more experienced Luke Shaw. While Yoro and Heaven are undeniable talents, disappointing draws against West Ham and Bournemouth made it clear they still have some way to go before they can be fully trusted to anchor the back on their own. However, there is some good news for Amorim, with Samuel Luckhurst of The Sun reporting that Maguire is very close to making a sensational return. Maguire injury update According to Luckhurst, “Manchester United are set to welcome back Harry Maguire to ease their defensive crisis.” “United have not rushed back Maguire ahead of the start of the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday now that they are without Noussair Mazraoui.” “Amorim admitted last week that Maguire ‘sometimes has an issue’ and the club have afforded him more recovery time.” Luckhurst notes that in a clear departure from Erik ten Hag’s methods, Amorim prioritises a cautious and patient process for returning players over a swift reintroduction. Featured image Michael Reagan via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Latest Top Stories… Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!





