Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker both felt the same way about Harry Maguire after the Manchester United star’s superb performance in the 2-1 win against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Harry Maguire has undergone a career resurgence at Manchester United after manager Erik ten Hag stripped him of the club captaincy last summer.
The 30-year-old United defender’s future at Old Trafford was plunged into doubt at the time and Maguire had been linked with a potential exit from the club.
However, Maguire remained at United for the current campaign and the Red Devils centre-back fought for his place in the starting XI under Erik ten Hag.
The England international started alongside Raphael Varane for the Premier League clash at Villa Park and produced a brilliant display for the Red Devils.
Maguire was defensively solid all the while providing an attacking threat, with the former United captain setting up Rasmus Hojlund for his side’s opener.
Shearer reacts to Man Utd star Maguire
Harry Maguire’s turnaround in form has allowed him to re-establish himself in the starting XI for Manchester United and silenced even his harshest critics.
The Three Lions star, who returned from injury last month, has started 11 out of 14 Premier League appearances for United this season and registered two assists.
Erik ten Hag has relied on Maguire in defence amid an injury-hit season in the United first-team squad, with defender Lisandro Martinez currently sidelined.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Alan Shearer admitted that he has been a big fan of Maguire’s attitude this season and his performance against Aston Villa.
The Premier League legend told Gary Lineker: “Yeah, he had to put up with a lot of s**t, hasn’t he?
“Again, while we’re on about attitude and everything else, I think he’s been brilliant.
“Because it wouldn’t have been easy for him, knowing that the manager probably didn’t want you – well, he certainly didn’t want him as captain.
“Maybe wanted to get him out of the football club. Now because of injuries or whatever it is, he’s back in, playing well and, yeah, showing some great character.
“Really, really great character to go through all of that and then put in a performance like he did yesterday.”
Lineker and Shearer agree on Maguire
Lineker echoed Shearer’s sentiments on Maguire and admitted that he always ‘admired’ the United player, saying that he has “never let his country down.”
Shearer agreed with the Match of the Day presenter’s assessment and insisted that Maguire deserves a lot of credit for his duty to the Three Lions.
“He’s particularly good in both boxes,” Lineker said.
“He’s such a threat from corners going forward. He’s brilliant defensively. He’s good on the ball.
“The one thing he lacks obviously is a yard of pace, but I admire Harry Maguire.
“He’s never let his country down. He’s always turned up for England.”
Shearer added: “He’s always done well for England most of the time, hasn’t he? Got to give him great credit for that.”
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