Harry Maguire has faced a challenging few months, starting with a calf injury in May that ruled him out of the FA Cup final. Another setback on England duty led to his exclusion from the Euro 2024 squad.
“To miss out was tough,” Maguire admitted talking to Sky Sports. “It has been really frustrating, working all season to get myself mentally and physically at the top of my game.”
Despite being stripped of the captaincy and often falling to fifth choice under Erik ten Hag, Maguire made 31 appearances for Manchester United last season. He praised the manager for his support: “There was a lot of uncertainty over my future last year, but I sat down with the manager, he told me where I was at, said he believed in me, and I would get chances.”
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United have invested in new talent, spending £52 million on French defender Leny Yoro. However, Maguire remains confident. “I proved last season when I got the chances, I took them really well.”
Reflecting on United’s eighth-place finish, Maguire is optimistic about the future with new sporting director Dan Ashworth and chief executive Omar Berrada. “I don’t think we will go from finishing eighth in the league to winning all the trophies overnight,” he said. “But I do think we are moving in the right direction now.”
Maguire, now part of United's pre-season in the U.S., is focused on the upcoming season: “It is time to crack on and make this club successful again, challenging for the big trophies. That’s what this club demands.”
Maguire's words are exciting as we heads into the new season. United are linked with several defenders which may push Maguire further down the pecking order. Still, he has proved his professionalism by putting in good work and performing whenever he can. However, with new defenders incoming both Manchester United and Maguire need to find the right balance and part ways for better opportunities elsewhere.
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