According to former Red Devils coach Mike Phelan, Harry Maguire should be commended for the way he has behaved himself throughout his difficulties at Manchester United. But Phelan has acknowledged that Maguire still has flaws from their time together at Hull City almost ten years ago.
When Phelan returned to Old Trafford in 2019 to serve as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s coach, the 30-year-old defender signed an £80 million agreement with United.
Maguire had a successful first year in M16 and was promoted to club captain after just one season.
However, his United career has fallen into mediocrity rather quickly, and he is currently fourth in Erik ten Hag’s center-back pecking order.
The United No. 5 has become noticeably more prone to mistakes, and Ten Hag’s preferred high line is severely hampered by his obvious lack of speed.
Last season, they chose Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, and Victor Lindelof. Maguire was available for purchase this summer but turned down a £30 million transfer to West Ham United.
Despite acknowledging Maguire’s talent, Phelan admitted that the England defender’s unresolved shortcomings that were on display at Hull years ago are probably a factor in why he is not in Ten Hag’s good graces.
He plays football well. Yes, he does have some flaws in his strategy. However, they existed when he was a Hull student, Phelan told Sky Sports.
Some people advise improving your flaws, but I think you should continue playing to your strengths. His skill with the ball, his ability to read the game, his ability to score a goal, and his moral character.He is one of the decent football players. He represents England on the field, and hopefully for a very long time. He shows up and does his obligations. So, Harry deserves praise.
By removing his captaincy and giving it to Bruno Fernandes, Ten Hag made it clear that Maguire will have a limited role this season.
