Graeme Souness believes Harry Maguire is capable of establishing himself as one of Erik ten Hag’s two first-choice centre-backs at Manchester United.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have effectively become Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s first-choice core duo at the club. Harry Maguire has featured in just nine games for Manchester United so far in the 22/23 season.
Of the aforementioned nine games, only four of them came in the Premier League, where he has started three games. Of the three starts, the first two came in Manchester United’s first two games of the 22/23 Premier League season.
The partnership between Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martínez at the heart of the Manchester United defense has also been impressive. That has meant that he has spent more time in the banks than he would ideally love. But he will likely get the chance to prove his worth when Manchester United take on Nottingham Forest in their first Premier League game after the winter break.
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Harry Maguire capable of finding his way back to Man Utd’s starting XI, says Graeme Souness
Manchester United are currently without Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, who have yet to rejoin the Red Devils squad following their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Lisandro Martínez was part of the Argentina squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the Argentine centre-back featured in five matches for the South American heavyweights.
Raphael Varane, meanwhile, was a key player for France as they finished as runners-up in the latest edition of FIFA’s flagship event.
The absence of the two players against Nottingham Forest means that Harry Maguire will likely start for the Red Devils in their next Premier League match.
And Graeme Souness believes Harry Maguire is capable of forcing his return to Manchester United’s starting eleven. “I have to say I’m happy for Harry Maguire too,” Graeme Souness wrote for the Daily Mail.
“He was heavily maligned going into the tournament by people who find it easy to criticize. It is much better than some believe.
Graeme Souness added: “He had a very good World Cup and the challenge for him now is to dislodge one of the central midfielders at Man United, Raphael Varane or Lisandro Martinez. I think he is more than capable of doing that.”
Harry Maguire missed Manchester United’s EFL Cup round of 16 win over Burnley last week due to illness. Manager Erik ten Hag started defensive midfielder Casemiro alongside Victor Lindelof at centre-back against Burnley. However, Maguire has recovered from the illness, as confirmed by Erik ten Hag.
