Aheed Abrar
Graeme Souness backs low-on-confidence Harry Maguire to get back into the Manchester United team
Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire has been backed by Graeme Souness to get back into the Red Devils’ team. The ex-Liverpool star has no doubts about the England international’s quality.
Maguire has found himself on the United bench in the last few weeks. Erik ten Hag decided to drop the 29-year-old in favour of Raphael Varane in the starting lineup.
Speaking on talkSPORT (h/t Manchester Evening News), Souness has come to the defence of Maguire following criticism around the defender. The Scottish national feels the 29-year-old has not had the proper supporting cast. The former midfielder also feels a lack of confidence is a big issue.
“I’m not a big critic of Maguire. I think he’s a very good player and he’s struggled with his partner — whoever he’s had — when playing for Manchester United.
“He’s better than what people would have you believe. Confidence is a big part for players and their ability to play at their peak. I think he will, ultimately, end up back in the team. There you are.”
Maguire was bought by United from Leicester City for big money in the summer of 2019, making him the most expensive defender. The England international’s performances at the 2018 World Cup made him a sought-after player.
Maguire has fallen out of favour at United
The 29-year-old came into the side and became a key part of the Red Devils’ backline immediately. And Maguire has had some decent seasons in Manchester since his arrival. However, in the previous campaign, the England international disappointed fans with his displays.
Maguire made some considerable errors plating in the back four last season. Our captain looked shaky and devoid of confidence. The Red Devils conceded 57 goals in the 2021/22 campaign, the eighth-worst record in the Premier League.
The 29-year-old’s start of the season under Ten Hag was below par as well. United lost the first two games of the 2022/23 campaign. And the Dutch manager decided to make some big decisions after the 4-0 loss to Brentford.
Varane and Lisandro Martinez have since then started every game in the league. And the Red Devils have won every game with the two in the backline. We have beaten the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal on our four-game winning run.
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Supporters feel Maguire does not have the leadership skills to have the armband. The spotlight being on him has not helped the 29-year-old’s cause. What the future holds for the England international at United remains to be seen.
