United will still await tests on Maguire's foot, however with the short amount of time between games at Old Trafford against Leicester City and Liverpool, he could be deemed a big doubt for both games.
That may mean Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof start against Leicester and possibly Liverpool, but four games in eight days could be too many for the Swede's troubled back. Despite his recent improvements, Lindelof did not have his best game for United at Villa Park.
DON"T MISS:
Until now, Maguire has bolstered his protection with steel and dependability. He's made errors and needed time to adapt, but his presence has helped United to create a defensive foundation around him, and concerns over his potential to be a long-term centre back at the club have faded this season.
If Bailly and Lindelof start this week, it will be just their third start as a partnership in the centre of defence this season. Because of Maguire's willingness to play so many games, they are normally partnered with him rather than each other. They did keep clean sheets in the Carabao Cup against Brighton in September and the Europa League against Real Sociedad in February, but they haven't featured in the Premier League together in over two years.
That was only a couple of weeks before Smalling and Jones teamed up for the last time. The former has moved on to Roma after a tumultuous reunion with United in the Europa League. Jones, for whatever reason, stays at Old Trafford. He's only appeared eight times in two seasons and hasn't featured since January 2020, but Solskjaer said last week that he hoped the 29-year-old will be "like a new player" next season.
DON"T MISS:
There's a case to be made that United do require another centre back, but the prospect of Solskjaer putting his trust in Jones would make many fans break out in cold sweats. Tuanzebe is already fourth in line and may make his debut this week.
In Maguire's absence, the urgency of bringing in another defender through becoming clearer. He's been the adhesive that's holding the defence together, and although he was more Pritt stick than super glue for a while, he's changed significantly this season.
If United seem fragile without him, it will be cause for alarm. Maguire's fitness record is impressive, but as Villa Park demonstrated, it cannot be counted on. Any occurrences are beyond his influence.
With Edinson Cavani on the verge of extending his tenure at Manchester United, funds could be freed up to look at other goals throughout the summer transfer window. The position of a central defender on that list will become apparent between now and the end of the season.
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