Harry Maguire opens up on losing his spot in Manchester United side

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 21 January 2023

Maguire opens up on losing his spot in Man United side

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire says that he 'understands it's a squad game', with the centre-back losing his starting role this term.

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has said that he 'understands it's a squad game' at the club, with the centre-back currently struggling for regular starts.

Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have been the team's first-choice centre-backs for much of this season, while Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof are arguably also ahead of Maguire in the pecking order when it comes to the positions in the middle of the defence.

The 29-year-old has made 15 appearances for the Red Devils this season, but he has only started four times in the Premier League, and there has been speculation surrounding his future.

Aston Villa and West Ham United have been linked with the England international during the January market.

However, it is understood that Man United have no intention of allowing him to leave this month, with Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag wanting to keep the squad together.

Harry Maguire in action for Manchester United on September 8, 2022 © Reuters

Maguire has admitted that he is "disappointed" to currently be out of the side, but the defender is confident that he will receive plenty of football in the coming months due to the team's crowded fixture list.

Man United are still competing in four competitions, including both domestic cups and the Europa League, where they will take on Barcelona in a knockout round playoff next month.

"I think subs throughout our season have been really important, they've scored some crucial goals, players have come on and had a big impact in the game. So we know it's a squad game," Maguire told United Daily.

"Obviously everyone wants to start and everyone's disappointed when they don't start the games, but that's the way it should be because we're all footballers, we're all competitive, we want to play football. But we've also got to be ready when we're called upon.

Harry Maguire in action for Manchester United on August 13, 2022 © Reuters

"I think our fixture list from now until the end of the season is relentless, not much break, not much rest in between games. So I'm sure fresh legs will be used.

"And I think if you're going to be a successful squad, it's so important to have competition for places in each position, and I think we've got that in this team now."

Earlier this month, Maguire vowed to "keep fighting" for his spot in the side, telling ESPN: "It felt good, I played last week as well against Bournemouth. I was unfortunate in terms of when I come back from the World Cup, I had a bad illness, to be honest, and it knocked me back for one or two weeks.

"I feel good now. We have a lot of good centre halves at this club, there's a lot of competition for places and I'll keep fighting."

Man United, held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace on Wednesday, will be bidding to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they head to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.