Harry Maguire has admitted that his current situation at Manchester United cannot go on forever, with the defender’s game-time incredibly limited under Erik ten Hag.
The centre-back was called up for England duty by Gareth Southgate yet again despite his significant lack of minutes this season in comparison to other players.
With the Euros penned in for summer 2024, all parties will be well aware that playing frequently at club level is crucial leading up to the tournament, and Maguire’s place in the Three Lions squad may be at risk if he continues holding a bench role at Old Trafford.
The 30-year-old has started two games this season – one in the Premier League and one in the Carabao Cup. He was substituted into a further two league matches but is yet to play a minute in the Champions League, with United having already overseen two losses in their opening group-stage outings.
An injury to Raphael Varane saw Maguire play the full clash against Brentford last Saturday but when the Frenchman returns after the international break, he’ll come straight back into the starting 11.
It seems as though Maguire’s only route into Ten Hag’s line-up is when members of the backline are injured or suspended and, for a player of his age and experience, it’s certainly a far from ideal situation.
Maguire has his say
He spoke out on the issue in conversation with The Sun, saying: “I am not going to sit here all my life and play once a month. If it carries on I am sure myself and the club will sit down and have a chat about things.
“But at the moment I am focused on two big games for England. And then I am fully focused on fighting to try and win back my place at Manchester United and trying to help the team climb up the league to where we should be.”
Maguire continued: “I have belief in my ability and what I have done in my career. Every player who is on the bench should believe they should be starting otherwise they wouldn’t be playing at a high level. I am no different.
“It has been tough, I want to play games, I want to feel important to the club and to the rest of the team. I haven’t been playing nowhere near as much as I would like. I just have to make sure I am ready to take the opportunities when they come along.”
I just wonder if he’s being sincere here.He was well aware of the situation but chose to stay put didn’t he?
He is a total muppet. He know last year his game time was going to next to nothing but still persisted to to try and stay. Given the opportunity to leave for somewhere else he dug his heels in like a child and thought he would get his place back. The whole world knew it would never happen. Is he the only person to not see what was happening. He is a total bafoon.