Harry Maguire is set to take a place on the bench against Arsenal tomorrow, according to reports. The 29-year-old has endured a disastrous season and by the looks of things, will be taken out of the firing line against Mikel Arteta’s side.
United are desperate for three points against the Gunners, with Ralf Rangnick’s side still in the running to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
But as things stand, they will be without their captain in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off. That’s according to The Athletic, who say that Rangnick is preparing to take the former Leicester defender out of the side.
Maguire has been the subject of abhorrent abuse from the public, with the latest incident involving a bomb threat – something said to have shaken Maguire and his family.
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Raphael Varane could return in Maguire’s absence, with the Frenchman set to make a return to the squad following his recovery from injury. Phil Jones is also a candidate but he was hauled off at half-time in the 4-0 loss to Liverpool.
SN’s verdict…
It’s never nice to see a Manchester United player receive the appalling abuse Maguire has had to deal with in recent months, especially when it’s your captain. Like it or not, Maguire is the skipper and is not deserving of this treatment.
The only crime he’s guilty of, as is the entire squad, is not playing well enough but that’s not something he deserves to have his life flipped upside down over.
There’s reason to believe that the decision to take him out of the firing line isn’t solely based on his performances but also to protect his mental state. It’s not normal for someone to withstand this level of abuse and be fine. I, for one, will continue to back any Manchester United captain, especially when they haven’t done anything wrong.
