Siddharth Juyal
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire backs himself to get more opportunities at the club
The Mirror reports that Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has claimed that he is sure about securing playing time at the club this season.
The 30-year-old fell down the pecking order with Erik ten Hag preferring the primary partnership of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane at centre-back.
Gareth Southgate, the England manager, defended Maguire after the defender faced ridicule for scoring an own goal against Scotland. Scottish fans mocked the United defender throughout the game after he came on as a substitute. This prompted Southgate to angrily criticise the continuous treatment of Maguire as a “joke”.
Maguire’s mother also released a statement talking about the disgraceful and downright abusive way some football fans, media, and pundits have spoken about her son.
Maguire enjoyed the international break overall alongside his English compatriots. The English defender had a good game against Ukraine in the Euro 2024 qualifiers and certainly can shine in the right system. Southgate has shown immense trust in the defender throughout his reign as England’s manager. However, things can change if the player doesn’t get enough game time at the club level.
Maguire spoke to the reporters (h/t Mirror) about the lack of game time and potential playing opportunities that lie ahead. He said:
“I know, at the moment, when I have not started a game in the first four games of the season, the story comes to me. So, I need to keep performing when I get chosen. Listen, at club football, I want to play games. The first four weeks were hard because it was one game a week and the manager didn’t select me but we have lots of games coming up now and I am sure I will play lots of games.”
Maguire has struggled with form and performances at United which also cost him the captaincy at the club. However, he is by no means a poor player and will need to be coaxed the best out of.
The Red Devils are gearing up for the Champions League this season, prompting Ten Hag to rotate his squad as per the schedule. With Lisandro Martinez also struggling with his fitness, there are reasons for Maguire to be optimistic.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez is fit to feature for Argentina against Bolivia in the World Cup qualifier match
- Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag plans to sign Bayer Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong to strengthen his defence next season
- New Manchester United captain Bruno Fernades makes admission about his new role
With a packed fixture list, there’s a chance that Ten Hag might utilise rotated players to optimise the team’s fitness levels. While no certainties exist, Maguire’s chances certainly wont be hampered by a packed schedule.
