Tensions were high as Harry Maguire made a tentative return to Manchester United’s starting XI

To be hard to say who was more concerned about Harry Maguire’s return to base here at Old Trafford; Maguire himself, England manager Gareth Southgate or Jamie Redknapp.

“I can honestly say I’m nervous for him,” Redknapp told Sky Sports before kick-off. “I’ve seen a player in the last six to eight months who has more venom than I’ve ever seen anyone get.

It’s gone so far over the top – I feel sorry for the kid.

“Everyone makes mistakes and you can see that in every part of their game.”

Southgate is known to be concerned about Maguire’s lack of club-level action with England versus Iran in their three-week World Cup opener on Monday, and perhaps unsurprisingly, every time the camera slammed him into the directors, he was a little apprehensive. watched ‘box on Sunday.

This was Maguire’s first Premier League start since he played United’s 4-0 debacle at Brentford in August, with just four appearances in between.

Much of this was due to the 29-year-old not playing for a month after suffering a leg injury in England’s 3-3 match against Germany in September when he was blamed for two of the goals.

But the uneasy reality is that the United captain is no longer the first choice. Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane are Erik ten Hag’s favorite combination in central defence. The next one might be Victor Lindelof.

Jamie Redknapp admitted to being ‘nervous’ for Maguire ahead of Manchester United match

Gareth Southgate keeps an eye on his English stars for the World Cup

But with Varane injured until the World Cup and Lindelof ruled out against West Ham due to illness, Maguire was thrust into the line-up three days after he met a rather mixed reception from fans when he returned to the squad for the Europa League game against Sheriff Tiraspol. .

Football can be brutal, as Redknapp says, and during Maguire’s troubles this season, Martinez has proved not only to be the number one choice, but also a team leader and fan favorite.

While the Argentinian was his usual buccaneer here, Maguire cut a rather hesitant figure in the first half.

It felt like he had a safety policy as he grew in the game – which is understandable. The steps were kept short, the choices cautious.

Maguire has been in the firing line for his appearances at Manchester United

Maguire’s most telling contribution came with the final touch of the half as he headed off a cross from Jarrod Bowen that put United’s goal under pressure.

However, it was nothing on the side of Ten Hag after the break. Maguire, Martinez and Diogo Dalot all made crucial headers under a West Ham bombing, although David de Gea rightly takes credit for three excellent saves.

There was a penalty appeal when Maguire Bowen blocked on the hour when his old Hull City team-mate slammed the ball past him in the penalty area. Was it a smart move? Yes. Risky? A little.

His place in the English squad for the upcoming World Cup is therefore under pressure

United’s £80million man certainly got lucky in the last minute of added time as Bowen directed Pablo Fornals’ cross toward goal and it bounced off the inside of Maguire’s ankle.

Redknapp won’t be the only one who thinks Maguire is lucky. In the end, this was a good day for him and he hung on at the end to answer the applause for the supporters before handing his captain’s armband to a grateful fan in the Stretford End.

“It’s not easy when you’re injured and after 45 minutes you’re back in the team because of two dropouts,” said Ten Hag.

“The last 20 minutes were tough for him, but he was a fighter with the back four. He showed leadership and confidence and cleared a lot of balls. I was very happy that Harry saw that performance.’