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Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Harry Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui came off injured in Manchester United's 0-0 draw against Aston Villa today (October 6). The defensive duo were forced off at halftime at Villa Park.
The Red Devils' dismal run continued, and they are five games without a win as the pressure grows on Ten Hag. The Dutchman's team selections and in-game substitutions have been scrutinized.
Maguire and Mazraoui were two of Manchester United's best performers during the first half against Villa. Their former captain, Maguire, pulled up late in the second half with a calf problem.
Ten Hag said both will be assessed at Carrington to determine the extent of their issues. Mazraoui didn't appear to have an obvious issue before coming off (via club media):
"We have to take them off at half-time. Tomorrow we have to see what is the diagnosis on it."
England caretaker boss Lee Carsley omitted Maguire from his squad for upcoming Nations League games. This will allow the Red Devils center-back to recover while his national team face Greece (October 10) and Finland (October 13).
Mazraoui made the squad for Morocco's African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Central African Republic at home (October 12) and away (October 15). However, if his injury issue is serious, he might be forced to withdraw.
"It's on our minds" - Jonny Evans claims Manchester United players are affected by talk over Ten Hag's future
Jonny Evans was man-of-the-match in Manchester United's draw against Aston Villa. The Northern Irish defender was excellent at the heart of the Red Devils' defense, keeping one of the Premier League's most potent frontlines quiet.
United's problems this season have been mainly down to vulnerabilities at the back. They squandered a two-goal lead midweek to draw 3-3 against FC Porto in the UEFA Europa League.
That result and the one against Villa have done little to quell talk of Ten Hag being sacked during the international break. His side sits 14th in the Premier League and has made its worst-ever start to the season after seven games.
Evans spoke about the situation after the Villa draw and the effect it's having on the team. He said (via The Belfast Telegraph):
"It was great for him (Erik ten Hag) to see that. The other night (following the 3-3 draw with Porto) he got a bit emotional, you could see it on him, letting that game slip away. You could see everyone was running into the ground to get a half decent result."
Evans added:
"It does affect the players. It's on our minds too. I think the more experience I've got in my career I've made sure I do everything you do to be ready and give everything I can to the team.”
Ten Hag signed a new one-year contract extension at Manchester United in the summer, with INEOS backing him in the transfer market. A lack of a turnaround at Old Trafford puts the Dutch tactician at risk of dismissal.
