Gareth Southgate makes big claim about Manchester United star

Harry Maguire has lost his place in the Manchester United starting XI as it looks like Erik ten Hag prefers the duo of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. And nobody can blame the Dutch manager for that. They have worked very well in the heart of defence, the few times that they have played together till now. On the other hand, the club captain’s performances have not been up to the mark for a long time now.

Thus, Maguire finds himself under a lot of pressure at the moment and it is unclear what the future holds for him at Manchester United.

When Maguire plays for England, he always seems to step his game up a few levels though. Despite all the criticism that he has received over the years, he was absolutely superb that at both World Cup 2018 and then EURO 2020, two of the Three Lions’ best international displays in a long, long time.

Thus, one would expect Gareth Southgate to stick with Maguire at the upcoming World Cup as well, despite the fact that he has lost his place in the Manchester United starting XI. As reported by the Mirror, the England manager said:

"“Whatever reputation I have I’m putting it on there. I think, look, you always have to back your judgement and we feel Harry is an important player.“If we thought there were experienced players ready to step in and play at a level above him there would be a different consideration and in some positions there would be a different level of competition in that way.“He is our most dominant aerial centre-back. He is an important player for us. I think it’s important to back our best players.”"

Southgate has made a big claim about the Manchester United star

Thus, it looks like Southgate is ready to back Maguire, who has been one of his most consistent players for the England national team.

In does look like there are a lot of similarities between the fans’ perception of Southgate and Maguire.

Southgate has also received a lot of criticism for the style of play that he has championed as the England national team boss but then, no one can argue with his success. He is the most successful manager that the country have had since 1966, guiding the Three Lions to the World Cup semi-finals and the EURO final, two tournaments that Maguire was brilliant in.