It is a measure of how bad the last season was injury-wise that some Manchester United players are still recovering from the issues they managed at the time.
While some were left completely sidelined due to the seriousness of the injury, those on the brink played past the pain barrier to be available.
One of those in the latter bracket was Harry Maguire, who was nursing a groin problem he played through which ultimately cost him a place with England for the Euros.
Maguire, however, is determined to get back to full fitness ahead of the start of the pre-season games and has taken a remarkable step to make it happen.
Harry Maguire shows extreme dedication
While the United squad who didn’t go to the Euros or Copa America are expected to meet for the start of pre-season today (July 8), there was an expectation that Maguire would still be recovering from his injury.
Instead of nursing his wounds, Maguire chose to run intense double training sessions in Portugal with United’s fitness coach Paolo Gaudino, as per the Manchester Evening News.
The result of such intense training was that Maguire is fit to return for pre-season training and is expected to play a part in their first game against Rosenborg on July 15. The video below shows the player being put through his paces-
These sessions were reportedly held at The Campus Base in Portugal and Maguire was accompanied by Will Fish, the centre-back who impressed on loan at Hibernian last season.
Fish will also report for pre-season and his news of dedication will undoubtedly win over many at the club in addition to Maguire, who is facing a fight for his future as well.
United face difficult Maguire question
Harry Maguire’s contract ends next year with the club having the option to extend it to 2026. However, the Englishman has fallen out of favour as Erik ten Hag has brought Lisandro Martinez and is about to sign off a deal for Matthijs de Ligt.
In that case, extending a Maguire who is firmly a backup option now is a risk, especially at his current terms. The defender reportedly earns close to £200,000/week, a figure that is not sustainable for anyone but the first names on the teamsheet.
He has attracted interest from teams and was close to joining West Ham United last season but that move fell through. His importance to the team rose unexpectedly as injuries bit United hard. At this point, availability is his best ability, and that consistency might help his case.
However, one would presume that will have to come at renewed contract terms. If the player isn’t willing to do that, then this summer is the best for United to cut their losses as the pressure to sell in the final 12 months of the contract is intense.
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