Harry Maguire plays on after early head injury in Manchester United’s Everton clash

Harry Maguire suffered a frightening facial injury less than a minute into Manchester United’s Premier League match against Everton, but was able to continue after receiving treatment on the pitch.

The 33-year-old defender was involved in a heavy collision with Everton forward Thierno Barry during an early aerial challenge at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Maguire fell to the ground following the impact, prompting medics to run on to the field as concerned team-mates gathered around him.

Blood was immediately visible from Maguire’s nose, with the centre-back appearing to have suffered a significant injury to his face. The incident raised fears that Manchester United manager Michael Carrick might be forced to make an early substitution.

However, the club’s medical staff managed to stem the bleeding by packing Maguire’s nose. Despite losing the aerial contest with Barry, Maguire was eventually able to resume his place in the Manchester United defence.

The incident came after Maguire had retained his position in the starting line-up following his important contribution to Manchester United’s 5-2 victory over Ipswich last week.

Maguire had been at the centre of a controversial moment in that match, when Jacob Greaves scored an own goal. The defender’s involvement in the move made him a key figure in a result that provided Manchester United with five goals.

His latest appearance began in far more painful circumstances, with the collision against Barry occurring only seconds after kick-off. The prompt response from the medics and Manchester United’s medical team allowed the England international to receive attention without immediately leaving the match.

Players from Manchester United surrounded their captain as he was treated, reflecting the seriousness of the scene and the concern that he might not be able to continue. Once the bleeding had been controlled, though, Maguire remained on the pitch.

The injury was one of the first major incidents of the meeting between Manchester United and Everton, although Maguire’s decision to carry on prevented Carrick from having to alter his defensive line at that early stage.

Maguire’s recovery meant he could continue after what had initially appeared to be a potentially serious facial problem. The blood from his nose and the force of the collision made the incident particularly alarming, but treatment enabled him to play on despite the painful start.

The defender’s availability had been reinforced by his performance in the previous week’s win over Ipswich, in which Manchester United scored five times. He was therefore selected again for the Everton fixture, only to find himself requiring medical attention before the match had properly settled.