Harry Maguire says he knows his Manchester United chance will come again – and that he doesn’t want to hear any criticism of his performances.
The England defender made headlines in the summer of 2019 when he became the world’s most expensive defender. And he took on more responsibility as the United captain soon after his move.
But, after facing questions over his performances from pundits and observers alike, he has lost his place.
Indeed, recently-appointed Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag has not been afraid to replace him with his own signing, Lisandro Martinez, instead.
Still, England manager Gareth Southgate has kept his faith in Maguire. The former Leicester man played the full 90 minutes of Friday’s 1-0 loss to Italy.
And speaking after the Nations League defeat which relegated the Three Lions, Maguire insisted that he feels confident of regaining Ten Hag’s confidence.
“I am all good, ready to play, I feel fit and fresh,” Maguire told talkSPORT.
“On my form, I don’t know what has been said, I don’t really read about it. I came off the back of three positive games with England in the summer, and a good pre-season, I felt really good.
“Obviously, [Ten Hag] decided to leave me out for a game, and [United] have been winning since.
“I am working hard on the training pitch to make sure I am ready for when my opportunity comes. That is all what I can do to try and help the team.”
Harry Maguire confident to bounce back
Maguire added that he is “sure” that “rustiness” will not set in.
He did admit, though, that having to fight for game time is a new experience for him.
“I’ve always been a player who has been available and always played in starting XIs, so it’s different for me, something that I don’t want to get used to,” the defender said.
“But I need to work hard in training and make sure when that chance comes I’m ready.
“Because that chance will come, we all know in football.”
Southgate came under mounting pressure following England’s defeat at the San Siro. Before that, the manager faced questions as to why he picked Maguire and Man Utd team-mate Luke Shaw, who is also struggling for game time.
However, Southgate claimed he has “never known a player receive the sort of treatment” that Maguire has.
Man Utd man has self-belief
Maguire’s confidence has clearly not been knocked by his lack of game time in recent months.
And his appearance against Italy was a big show of support from Southgate in one of England’s final two games before the World Cup.
However, Maguire will definitely be a player to watch as the days count down towards the tournament.
It remains unclear just when the defender will get a run of games, with Martinez and Raphael Varane looking solid together.
But, when the chance comes, Maguire is clearly confident that he can win back some trust with Ten Hag and reinstate his role with his club – especially as he is the captain.
