Manchester United: Ruben Amorim explains Harry Maguire substitution amid major injury updates for Lyon clash | OneFootball

Maguire was taken off just before the hour mark as Manchester United drew with Man City

After nearly a month on the sidelines with a a calf problem, Maguire made his return to action as a second half substitute in Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest.

Though with Matthijs De Ligt picking up a knock at the City Ground, thus causing him to miss Sunday’s Manchester derby, it was Maguire who came in for the Dutchman to anchor the defence.

However, some Man United fans may have feared the worst when the 32-year-old was replaced by Victor Lindelof just before the hour mark at Old Trafford.

But Amorim has insisted it was agreed with the medical department beforehand that Maguire would play no more than 60 minutes against Manchester City.

"Harry Maguire just had 60 minutes allowed from the medical department to play, so he's fit and ready to go. So we need to be careful on this,” Amorim told reporters.

"No, it’s not an injury, it’s just [that] we had a time that we could use Harry without any danger. We cannot lose any more players, we have to try to divide the moments between the players. We have a really important game on Thursday.

"Just managing [him]. After 60 minutes, 55 minutes is a risk and we cannot risk any player in this moment."

Amorim also delivered an update on Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo as to whether they could feature against Lyon in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final on Thursday.

Speaking to MUTV about De Ligt prior to kick-off, Amoirm said: "Matta, he has an injury. Let's see how long it is going to take."