Harry Maguire is feeling justified in his decision to remain at Manchester United and persevere for his future with the club, especially as he has reclaimed a pivotal role under Erik ten Hag.
Last season, the center-back lost his spot in the team and, after being stripped of the captaincy, came close to departing during the summer. A potential £30 million deal with West Ham United was on the horizon but ultimately fell through, resulting in Maguire staying put at Old Trafford.
Despite playing only 26 minutes in United’s first seven Premier League games, Maguire has now started the last seven matches across all competitions and is in a commendable run of form, securing his position ahead of Raphael Varane in the team hierarchy.
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Reflecting on his journey, Maguire shared his thoughts after the 1-0 win over Luton Town, stating, “I obviously played a few games last year, 16 or 17 I think it was – starts. And I actually felt like I performed really well in the games that I played in; I just didn’t play as many as I would have liked.”
Acknowledging the strong performances of teammates like Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez last season, Maguire recognized the need for patience and seizing the right opportunities. He emphasized the challenges faced due to injuries and illnesses that disrupted his momentum.
Now having secured a consistent run of games, Maguire expressed his enjoyment of playing for the club and his willingness to stay and compete for his place. He acknowledged the tough competition among the club’s top international center-backs and is determined to prove himself amidst the competition for starting positions.
Maguire, who had previously emphasized his confidence stemming from his impressive win percentage under Ten Hag, reiterated his belief that he had rightfully earned an opportunity to showcase his abilities to the manager.
He stated, “I think your experience, the memories that you’ve had, working hard in training is the main thing, making sure you’re ready. But, like I said, I started 16 or 17 games last year, and I thought my form was there.”
Acknowledging the discussions surrounding his playing time, Maguire reflected on his performances for his country, highlighting his commendable display in the World Cup. Despite feeling confident in his form, he recognized the formidable competition among top-notch center-backs at the club, which limited his opportunities last year.
Maintaining that the club thrives on competition for positions, Maguire emphasized the high standards and challenges that come with vying for a place in the team.