Harry Maguire has been bombarded with criticisms in recent seasons for his errors in defense, but it appears that the Englishman is back to his best.
Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Sheffield United became the 15th match that the Reds Devils have won in 16 starts for Maguire.
The Englishman appears to be getting back to the form that saw the Old Trafford club fork out €87 million in getting his services from Leicester City on August 5, 2019.
Harry Maguire has over time been targeted with abuses and unhealthy criticisms at club and even national team level.
Abuses were hurled at him, after he scored an own goal a few minutes after coming on in England’s 3-1 win over Scotland in Hampden Park, Glasgow.
Erik Ten Hag and Gareth Southgate back Harry Maguire despite fierce criticisms
He also hasn’t been spared from rash criticisms since the start of the season, and that led to his manager at club and national team level backing him to return to his best.
Maguire’s mother, Zoe, also put out a lengthy statement publicly defending her son in September 2023.
She branded the level of criticism her son has received from fans and pundits as “disgraceful” and also pointed everyone towards the defender’s mental health.
Zoe Maguire on Harry Maguire criticisms
An excerpt from the lengthy statement read: “As a mum seeing the level of negative and abusive comments in which my son is receiving from some fans, pundits, and the media is disgraceful and totally unacceptable to any walk of life, never mind someone who works his socks off for club and country.”
Harry Maguire, who was linked with a move to West Ham United in the summer has since shut his critics with top-notch performances, despite Manchester United experiencing a rough patch.
The absence of last season’s first-choice center back Lisandro Martinez hasn’t been really felt this season, due to the brilliance of Maguire, who has slotted back into the squad seamlessly.
In September 2023, when asked about the criticisms of the England international, Erik Ten Hag said:
“I have said many times, that it is disrespectful, doesn’t deserve it, he is a great player, gives great performances. It is crazy but how it works. Harry has to block this.”
Maguire shut critics up?
He also added that Harry Maguire would have to shut his critics up with good performances and it appears like the Englishman has listened to the words of his manager.
The Dutchman said: “Good, you see his career, a lot to come, he has to block it with good performances.”
Maguire has made 5 appearances for Manchester United this campaign, scoring no goal and providing 1 assist across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Erik Ten Hag’s side entertain FC Copenhagen on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, in the UEFA Champions League and Harry Maguire is expected to feature in that encounter.
The Red Devils sit bottom of Group A in the competition, after suffering back-to-back defeats in their two matches played so far.
Manchester United will be hoping to secure their first victory and 3 points of the group, with a comfortable victory over the Danish side on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.
