Harry Maguire: Manchester United defender is turning the tables on his critics but acid test awaits

By James On Oct 23, 2023

Erik ten Hag said Harry Maguire is “playing the way we want” after a man-of-the-match performance in Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Sheffield United, and the centre-back should now find his place back in the squad strengthen. for a busy week.

United host FC Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday, before Manchester City host Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday, continue live Air sports.

Maguire started his second successive Premier League game and stood out against his former club at Bramall Lane as Man Utd marked the death of Sir Bobby Charlton with three points.

The England centre-back’s career at Old Trafford seemed over after he was stripped of the captaincy and given the option to sign for West Ham in the summer, but he was always determined to regain Ten Hag’s favour.

He now appears to be doing that, with the Dutchman impressed by his performance at Bramall Lane.

“I have to say that Harry is playing the way we want him to play,” he said. “(His man-of-the-match award) was deserved. He played a very good game. He showed personality, played very good football and read the game very well. I am happy for him and his performance, but also with our victory.

“Very proactive out of possession, dominate his opponent, intervene when necessary, read the game, good coverage but also very proactive in possession, get in, make good passes, switch, yes, I am happy with his performance.”

Speaking after his great performance in Sheffield: Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp said: “As a professional I think he was treated disgracefully by football fans. Everywhere he went, even his own fans, English fans, he was ridiculed. It shows he is an important player. Of course he has faults made.”

“Everyone makes mistakes. I look at some other players who might make a mistake when they play for Man Utd, and they don’t get a quarter of the punishment he gets. But he does it, it becomes a meme that everyone starts talking about to talk.” It’s completely unfair. You can see that when he plays, he does make a difference. Do I think he will be the answer for Man Utd in the long term? Not really.

“He’s been in great form lately and playing games, but I think maybe he needs to find his way again somewhere else. But even then he doesn’t deserve the criticism he’s getting. I think it’s been massively below the belt and sometimes shameful.”

United have won 15 of the last 16 games Maguire has started, dating back to October 30, 2022 – even though none of those starts have been against the ‘Big Six’, Newcastle or upwardly mobile Aston Villa.

England coach Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has been working with Maguire during his international duties, and the Dutchman spoke about the player’s influence in the dressing room.

“It is a pleasure to work with him,” says Hasselbaink Air sports. “The boy is always willing to work, always willing to give everything, never lets us down. I knew today (Saturday) what kind of performance you would get from him. An honest performance. He wants to do extra work.

“He is actually one of the bravest players I know, because he always takes the ball and always takes responsibility. Players make mistakes, but he does not avoid them. How people sometimes treat footballers, and especially him, that is not true.”

Tim Sherwood added: “I think (Raphael) Varane will get away with it. He’s a week away. He plays a few games. Then he’s injured again. Maguire has taken charge. He’s the one who will do that. ” come back to that team and play regularly from now on.”

What’s next?

Man Utd are in action in the Champions League on Tuesday when they host FC Copenhagen at Old Trafford; starting at 8 p.m.

Their next Premier League assignment is a huge match against rivals Men’s cityalso at Old Trafford, will continue live on Sunday, October 29 Air sports; starting at 3.30 pm.