Massive Boost For Manchester United As Amorim Prepares To Welcome Back Star

Manchester United are set for a huge boost as Harry Maguire looks set to return from injury before the new year. 

According to multiple reports, England international Maguire is aiming for a return in late December.

The 32-year-old has been out with a hamstring problem since United’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham on 8 November.

Maguire has so far made eight Premier League appearances this season, half of which have been from the bench.

But his return will be a welcome boost to United and manager Ruben Amorim.

Former Leicester City defender Maguire arrived for a world-record £80 million fee in 2019.

He has since made more than 250 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 17 goals.

The club have been reluctant to rush him back, but Man United’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on Monday emphasises how leaky their defence has been without him.

Harry Maguire Injury Boost As United Lose AFCON Stars

Getting Harry Maguire back from injury could not come at a better time for Manchester United.

With Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui all departing to represent their respective national teams at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Ruben Amorim’s squad will be stretched thin.

The trio of AFCON stars could miss as many as seven matches, with the tournament running until mid January.

In recent weeks, Amorim has opted for a back three of Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro.

Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven start TOGETHER in the Premier League pic.twitter.com/Oi77FYDrqB

— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) December 15, 2025

Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt has also been sidelined with a back problem, further stressing the need for Maguire to get back fit.

Yoro and Heaven both have huge potential, but United have clearly lacked leadership and experience.

Playing two young defenders together has only invited pressure and forced mistakes.

Earlier this week, Amorim admitted United are underachieving, but it’s easy to see how defensive injuries have hampered them.

United Will Still Be Missing Maguire And De Ligt Against Aston Villa

The returning defensive duo of Maguire and De Ligt will be massive for United.

Ruben Amorim is expected to provide further updates on the pair during Friday’s press conference.

But Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa is likely to be too soon for either man to make an appearance.

Elsewhere, Lisandro Martinez has been building up minutes after returning from a cruciate ligament injury.

Happy to get more minutes and happy with the team’s win. Come on, Red Devils! ❤️ @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/YkLUiclECJ

— Lisandro Martinez (@LisandrMartinez) December 9, 2025

The Argentine defender has come on from the bench in each of United’s last four Premier League games.

But, like Maguire, United are being careful not to throw him in from the start before he is ready.

It may therefore fall to Yoro and Heaven once again to try and keep out high-flying Aston Villa.

That will be no easy task, with Unai Emery’s side third in the table and on a nine-game winning streak.

Maguire, and possibly De Ligt, are more likely to feature after Christmas, with games against Newcastle and Wolves rounding out United’s 2025 fixtures.