Manchester United’s Harry Maguire has been out of the fold at Old Trafford. He endured a rocky start to the season, falling out of favor with Erik ten Hag and has been relegated to the bench.
Stiff competition from the well-performing duo of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martínez hasn’t helped Maguire’s place in the pecking order (via The Daily Mail).
For this reason, Maguire fights to recover his place in the starting eleven.
However, he has been resilient at this year’s World Cup, consistently performing for England.
According to BBC pundit Danny Murphy, Maguire should be among the first English players to return to domestic football. The unfortunate departure of the Three Lions from Qatar 2022 came from the hand of France de Varane.
A chance at redemption
The second half of the season could be decisive for the future of the Manchester United centre-back. Maguire hopes to secure more playing time than before the break.
Varane and Martínez will star today in the World Cup final. Each player will hope to help their country to an elusive third World Cup title. The absence of the two defenders will be an opportunity for Maguire. He is likely to start against Burnley in United’s next EFL Cup match.
Manchester United clash with Burnley in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
let magurie play
Danny Murphy believes Maguire deserves a chance to play after overcoming a challenging start to the season. Murphy said:
“Despised by most people, he [Maguire] he was outstanding for his country, which says a lot about his strength of character. He has to be admired”.
“The big question is whether his face fits United manager Erik ten Hag, and we’ll soon find out the answer.”
“The United team is more efficient with Casemiro protecting the back four, and Maguire will benefit. But if he does well and he still gets replaced once Varane and Martinez are available, the writing will be on the wall.”
“I don’t think the United captain wants to stay at Old Trafford beyond the summer as a supporting player, and there will be no shortage of interest if he is allowed to leave.”
The former Blackburn Rovers midfielder said he could see Maguire playing for Newcastle United if Erik ten Hag is unable to accommodate the English defender in his current setup.
Murphy believes Magpies boss Eddie Howe will appreciate Maguire’s strength and leadership.
All eyes on United
The rest of this season’s edition of the English Premier League resumes on Boxing Day. United will be committed to claiming a place in the top four.
The world will be watching the Red Devils closely to see how they bounce back after a dramatic end to the Cristiano Ronaldo saga. Many will also ponder Harry Maguire’s future at Manchester United if the captain runs out of playing time again.
As Murphy eloquently put it, if Maguire plays well and remains on the bench after the return of Varane and Martinez, “the writing will be on the wall.”
