Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has given an honest assessment of his underwhelming form last season.
Coming off the back of helping England reach the European Championships final, the world’s most expensive defender suffered an almighty nosedive in form for the Red Devils.
United’s number five wasn’t the only man who was producing consistently sub-par performances, but given his £80m price tag, Maguire’s performances and form are always going to carry additional scrutiny.
Harry Maguire gives honest assessment of his form last season
Following the signing of World Cup winner Raphael Varane last summer, Manchester United fans and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were hoping that the four-time Champions League winner and Maguire would establish a formidable partnership in a similar to vein to legendary duo Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
But that understanding and partnership is yet to materialise at Old Trafford – Maguire has open admitted that his performances weren’t up to scratch and the former Real Madrid man had a difficult first season in English football, which was disrupted by injuries.
Despite labelling last season as “a setback for myself on my career path”, Maguire will be continuing his role as club captain after Erik ten Hag confirmed the former Leicester City man would retain the armband.
Speaking to the Athletic, the 29-year-old said he is desperate to get his career back on track under the former Ajax manager.
Maguire said: “Last year was disappointing, as an individual I didn’t play well and as a team we certainly didn’t play well.
“But a good career can last 10 to 15 years and you’re never going to have every year where it’s plain sailing and you don’t have any difficulties.
“You’re going to have to fight, you’re going to have setbacks and last year was certainly a set back for myself on my career path.
“But it’s behind us now and we look forward to the future and getting this club back to winning trophies, which is what it’s all about.”
Having missed the 4-0 pre-season friendly win against rivals Liverpool due to a slight knock, Maguire made his first appearance under Ten Hag in Friday’s 4-1 win against Melbourne Victory, playing the opening 45 minutes alongside Victor Lindelof.