Heading into the international break, Manchester United have a fair few issues to assess.

Michael Carrick will be fearing for his future as head coach after a dreadful start to the season that has left his side in 19th place in the Premier League.

Nobody involved with the club will be content with the current state of play in November, with a real risk of the Red Devils sitting in the drop zone at Christmas at this rate.

Injuries to Carlos Baleba, Benjamin Sesko and Luke Shaw continue to hamper them, as their poorly-built squad struggles on.

Now United are facing an even longer absence list, after Harry Maguire was forced off at half-time against Aston Villa with a back issue.

That’s according to Manchester United reporter Steven Railston on X, who posts that Michael Carrick has confirmed Maguire was forced off with a “back spasm”.

Losing one of their leaders after clawing back the game to 2-2 at the halfway point was detrimental, as United went back out and ended up down two goals again by the 53rd minute.

Ayden Heaven, while an exciting prospect, is not a player United will often want to partner fellow prospect Leny Yoro, as the inexperienced pair struggled to form a grip on the game.

Manchester United eventually came back to draw 4-4, and the loss of Harry Maguire will provide another real concern as they assess what went wrong tonight.

The 33-year-old England international is past his best years, but is a much-needed voice in a team that is struggling for inspiration.

United will be hoping Maguire’s back spasm does not hamper him after the two-week break, when they play Liverpool straight away.

The Red Devils will need all hands on deck for that one, as they visit an Anfield stadium that will smell blood from the off.

Michael Carrick confirms that Harry Maguire went off at half-time with a “back spasm” #mufc

— Steven Railston (@StevenRailston) November 8, 2026