Harry Maguire’s decision to stay at Manchester United during the summer transfer window has proven to be a wise one, as he has recently earned his place back in manager Erik ten Hag’s starting lineup. After a disappointing first season under Ten Hag, Maguire was on the verge of a move to West Ham United but ultimately stayed at Old Trafford. Although he began the current campaign as a substitute, he has now started the last eight games in all competitions, demonstrating that he made the right choice by remaining at United.
Maguire reflects on his limited playing time last season, acknowledging that he had only started 16 or 17 games. Despite his belief that he performed well in those matches, he was unable to secure a consistent spot in the starting lineup. He attributes this to the excellent performances of his teammates Raphaël Varane and Lisandro Martínez, who were solid defensively and kept numerous clean sheets. Maguire acknowledges that he had to wait for an opportunity and be patient. Unfortunately, last season he faced setbacks due to illness and injuries, which prevented him from gaining momentum and proving himself to the manager.
Now, however, Maguire finds himself in an enjoyable position, relishing his time on the field and playing for his beloved club. He expresses his willingness to stay at Manchester United and fight for his place, even with the presence of four or five talented international center-backs. Maguire recognizes the intense competition for starting spots within the team, which only pushes him to perform at his best and further elevate his game.
Maguire, formerly the world’s most expensive defender following his £80 million transfer from Leicester City in 2019, has successfully reclaimed his spot in the starting lineup. This feat was mainly facilitated by Martinez’s unfortunate injury, which sidelined him for an extended period. Additionally, Ten Hag has hinted at a preference for other defensive partnerships, as Maguire and Varane have not been regularly paired together. For the recent 1-0 victory against Luton, Victor Lindelöf was chosen over Varane to partner with Maguire in defense.
Maguire’s Premier League season did not begin until October, but his consistent performances and Martinez’s absence have cemented his place in the team. He emphasizes the importance of hard work in training and being prepared for any opportunity that comes his way. While there was substantial criticism surrounding his lack of game time, Maguire trusted in his abilities. He highlights his strong performances for the national team, including an impressive World Cup showing, as evidence of his consistent form. Maguire understands that he is competing against top-level center-backs and acknowledges that they were exceptional last season, limiting his playing time.
Harry Maguire’s resurgence at Manchester United demonstrates his resilience and determination to succeed. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, he has managed to regain his place in the starting lineup and make a significant impact on the team’s success. As the season progresses, Maguire will undoubtedly continue to strive for excellence and contribute to Manchester United’s ambitions on both domestic and international fronts.
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