Man Utd head coach Ruben Amorim has confirmed that neither Harry Maguire nor Matthijs de Ligt will be fit to face Aston Villa this weekend.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, Amorim was asked about the pair’s fitness, and he replied:

“No. Nobody recovers and nobody else is out just the guys you already know.”

The two defenders have not played for several weeks, and the Red Devils have been deploying youngster Ayden Heaven in the middle of a back three, with Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw either side of him. That lack of solidity undoubtedly contributed to the 4-4 draw against Bournemouth last time out.

Harry Maguire injury news

Maguire has been out with a hamstring injury since the 2-2 draw against Tottenham in early November.

However, it had been reported in recent days that the 32-year-old was close to making his comeback, so there is still a good chance that he will return in time for United’s next fixture after the trip to Villa Park.

Expected Return date – Friday 26th December vs Newcastle United (h)

What is the latest on Matthijs de Ligt?

The centre-half has been sidelined with a back problem since the win over Crystal Palace at the end of last month.

Asked about de Ligt’s situation last week, Amorim was unsure as to when the centre-half would be back in contention, stating that it is an injury that needs to be managed:

“I think he has something in his back. I don’t know for sure… sometimes you see it’s not a big injury – he finished the game quite well against Palace – but sometimes he feels a little pain, and we have to be careful.”

Expected Return Date – Unknown

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