Harry Maguire persistence and belief in himself have been rewarded as he successfully reclaimed his spot in the Manchester United starting XI.
Despite setbacks such as losing his starting place and the captaincy over the summer, Maguire chose to stay and fight for his position rather than pursue a potential move to West Ham or elsewhere.
The 30-year-old defender, undeterred by doubts, confidently expressed his intention to win back his place at United. Contrary to skepticism, Harry Maguire has started in the team’s last eight matches across various competitions.
Reflecting on this achievement, he stated that staying at United and fighting for his place feels like personal vindication.
Harry Maguire acknowledged the competition for places, citing top international center-backs within the club. He emphasized the importance of patience, hard work in training, and being ready for opportunities. Despite facing criticism and mockery, Maguire’s mental resilience has shone through, with England boss Gareth Southgate condemning the treatment as “ridiculous” and Maguire himself dismissing it as “banter.”
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Harry Maguire Speaks On His Resurgence
Asked if it feels like personal vindication for staying at United, Maguire said: “Of course.
“I played a few games last year, 16 or 17 starts, and I felt like I performed well in the games I played in. I just didn’t play as many as I would have liked.
“On the other hand, Rapha (Varane) and Licha (Lisandro Martinez) were playing brilliantly and kept numerous clean sheets. I had to bide my time and be patient.
“I had two or three opportunities last season to get a run of games but I broke down with illness, I broke down with injuries twice, so I never got the rhythm and never got the run of games that I could prove myself to the manager.
“I have got that now, I am enjoying my football and I enjoy playing for this club.
“I was willing to stay and fight for my place and we have four, five top international center-backs at this club, and the competition for places is high.”
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Now focused on England matters, Maguire believes in the quality of United’s attacking players but acknowledges the need for improvements in scoring goals and keeping clean sheets. He mentioned the goal-scoring struggles of Marcus Rashford and others, expressing confidence that their form will turn around.
Maguire praised summer signing Rasmus Hojlund, highlighting his work ethic and contributions beyond goal-scoring. Despite Hojlund’s impressive Champions League performances, Maguire believes it’s only a matter of time before he starts scoring in the Premier League as well.
As Manchester United looks ahead, Maguire remains optimistic about the team’s potential, emphasizing the quality of the attacking players and expressing confidence that both goals and clean sheets will come as the season progresses.
