Manchester United and Harry Maguire seemed to be a rather terrible marriage that was finally coming to an end with an amicable divorce in sight.
The Englishman looked set to complete a move to David Moyes’ West Ham United but due to a compensation issue, Maguire stayed at Old Trafford.
During the 3-1 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Maguire was summoned off the bench, following the injury suffered by Lisandro Martinez which, thankfully, isn’t a serious one.
If there was one moment that perhaps summed up Maguire’s time at Old Trafford and the reputation he has garnered was when his name was read out.
The defender received raucous applause from the Arsenal fans which sums up his luck right now.
Ten Hag’s Lindelof decision
It has emerged since yesterday’s defeat to Arsenal that the Swedish defender was suffering from an illness but, nevertheless, he still started the game at the Emirates.
Speaking after the game, Ten Hag said on the fitness of the Swede: “Victor was ill, so he had to come off.”
This probably shows just where Maguire ranks in Erik ten Hag’s thinking as the Englishman remained on the bench and was only summoned after Martinez pulled up with an injury.
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The Englishman was stripped of the captaincy during the off-season and the defender is now seemingly fourth or even fifth choice at the club.
Will Maguire force his way back in
Well, with the current injury issues that the club are currently dealing with at centre-back, you wouldn’t bet against the Englishman being involved after the international break.
Maguire may well feel hard done by not being involved in the team but his failed move to West Ham may well mean he needs to knuckle down and fight for his spot in the first team.
Although, with a break for the defenders who are out injured, mainly Raphael Varane, it seems unlikely that the English defender will be reinstated in the starting lineup.