PRESSURE-RIDDEN Erik ten Hag has been throw a curve-ball after Harry Maguire was helped off the pitch by a doctor at Villa Park.
The England defender was removed at half-time after being handed a shock Manchester United start for Sunday's Premier League clash.
Maguire's knee looked to have locked during a Villa set piece on the brink of half-time with the score at 0-0.
The back of his sock was completely ripped, with a huge hole showing his full calf as keeper Andre Onana assisted him to the sidelines.
Maguire was later helped off by three members of Man Utd's medical team after referee's Robert Jones' whistle.
His counterpart Jonny Evans also looked to be struggling in the first half after crunching challenge on Leon Bailey.
READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
The pair were subsequently subbed at the interval, with Matthijs de Ligt and Victor Lindelof brought on as replacements.
Maguire picked up a yellow card for leaning into Ollie Watkins' face with his arm in the 36th minute.
Maguire missed Euro 2024 amid ongoing issues with his calf.
Man Utd now face an anxious wait over their former captain, who scored a last-gasp equaliser for Ten Hag's side against Porto in the Europa League on Thursday.
Ten Hag is under mounting pressure to save his job following a nightmare start to the season.
SunSport reported this week that the Dutchman had two games to persuade Old Trafford chiefs of his ability.
All eyes are currently on Villa Park to see if Man Utd can get a result.
But with Maguire off, Villa have stepped up the intensity after a pretty tame first 45 minutes from both sides.
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.