Aheed Abrar
Out-of-favour defender Harry Maguire wants to “play every game” at Manchester United
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, who has lost his place in the starting lineup in the current campaign, wants to “play every game” for the Red Devils.
The 30-year-old got a rare start against Everton in the Premier League on Saturday (8 April). It was only the sixth time the centre-back played the full 90 minutes for the Old Trafford side in the English top flight this season.
Speaking to the media via Manchester Evening News after the 2-0 win over the Toffees, the England international expressed frustration at having lost his place in the team. However, our captain realises that the competition for places in the starting lineup is intense.
“Listen, I’m not going to stand here and say I love it, or that I like it. I don’t. I want to play every game and I have done for the last eight years of my career.
“Also I have to respect the manager and his decisions and also respect how good the competition is at centre-back at this club. It is, and I believe that.”
Maguire signed for United in the summer of 2019 from Leicester City. After a few months at the club, the defender was handed the captain’s armband by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Under the Norwegian head coach, the 30-year-old was a pivotal part of the Red Devils. Unfortunately, in the previous campaign, the centre-back’s performances deteriorated considerably.
Subsequently, Ole parted ways with the Old Trafford side and Ralf Rangnick was appointed as interim manager. However, things under the German did not change drastically. But the England international continued to have a lot of influence in the starting XI.
However, with the arrival of Erik ten Hag at the end of last season, our skipper has struggled for minutes on the pitch. The Dutch manager has preferred the partnership of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in the backline.
The two World Cup winners have been relatively solid in the current campaign, barring a few heavy defeats. As a result, Maguire and Victor Lindelof have been on the bench most often.
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But the England international is still a key player for Gareth Southgate and has consistently showcased his talent for the Three Lions. The 30-year-old clearly possesses a lot of talent. Therefore, the defender’s disappointment at a lack of game time is somewhat justified.
