Pranav Nair
Manchester United star Harry Maguire looking forward to featuring at the Euros
According to The Sun, Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire has given an update on his status heading into the summer’s European Championships.
The 28-year-old has not featured since being taken off injured for United against Aston Villa on May 9. The Red Devils failed to keep a clean sheet in his absence and fell short in the Europa League final too.
Maguire was however named in Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man squad for the Euros. With the competition less than two weeks away, he now faces a race against time to showcase his fitness.
England make their final preparations for the competition with two pre-tournament friendlies. The Three Lions face Austria on Wednesday before playing against Romania on Sunday.
Maguire will not feature in either match. He admits that the condition of his ankle is improving and he remains hopeful of making the tournament proper.
“It is now improving and getting better, so I am just looking forward to the Euros.”
England manager Gareth Southgate too refused to confirm if Maguire will make it in time for our opener against Croatia on 13th June. While he will be given an opportunity to prove his fitness, it appears to be a case of touch and go.
“We don’t know that yet. It’s going to be tight for the first game [vs Croatia], there’s no question.”
Never a chance
Maguire also confirmed that the chances of him actually playing for United against Villarreal was remote at best. His absence was a tremendous blow to a United side that thrived under his leadership.
“I knew for me to start the Europa League final was very unlikely but I hoped to play some part.”
A regular for England when fit, Southgate will be keen to welcome his best defender as soon as possible. Hopefully, the United ace will not be rushed into playing, as it could jeopardize his chances of starting the new club season fully fit.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United fans react as Edinson Cavani wins Player of the Month for May
- Manchester United set to pocket millions if Romelu Lukaku quits Inter Milan this summer
- Chelsea could up the ante against Manchester United for Jadon Sancho
Maguire is not the only Englishman United should be worried about. Mason Greenwood withdrew from the squad due to an underlying issue while Marcus Rashford has had to struggle with knocks throughout last season.
All three are key players for United and will hopefully return to Carrington in better condition than they left. The 2021/22 season is pivotal to our long-term ambitions and we need to put forward the best foot possible.
