Harry Maguire has gone from scapegoat to hero at Manchester United.
There was a time when Harry Maguire would receive over-the-top abuse for his performance, especially during his time as Manchester United captain, but those days are long gone.
It all changed after Erik ten Hag stripped Maguire of his role as captain in July 2023, when the armband was passed on to Bruno Fernandes, who has stepped up to the responsibility as the team’s most valuable player.
In response, Maguire remained professional instead of throwing his toys out the pram and worked on his performances, which would dramatically improve in the heart of United’s defence.
It has been evident since the appointment of Ruben Amorim that United’s head coach is an admirer of Maguire and is aware of his abilities in defence and attack.
Maguire was the hero when United came from behind to beat Lyon 5-4 in the Europa League quarter-finals, scoring a 121st-minute winner at Old Trafford. It was one of the greatest individual moments of Maguire’s career and will be remembered so long as United go on to win the competition outright.
Harry Maguire is a Manchester United legend
In the past, any suggestion that Maguire was a role model would’ve been laughed at by the masses.
That isn’t the case now as the England international is showing his leadership with the youngsters coming through at United.
According to the Daily Mail, Maguire is having a huge influence on and off the pitch, especially with his preferred approach of putting an arm around the shoulder of academy prospects.
It is understood that Maguire played a key role in helping recent debutant Harry Amass settle into the first-team dressing room.
“He is a top top bloke,” one source told the Daily Mail. “He’s one of the nicest people you could ever meet and he’s been invaluable to the kids.”
Furthermore, Maguire was among the first to congratulate former United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri back to the Premier League following Burnley’s promotion from the Championship.
Maguire has also helped young players like Jaydan Kamason and Jack Moorhouse in the past, as well as James Scanlon and Godwill Kukonki.
Harry Maguire remains a leader
There have been challenging moments in Maguire’s career, but as someone who bounced back, it’s no wonder many lean on the centre-back for leadership.
Back in January, Maguire revealed he sees himself as a leader for United and that has been the case judging by his relationship with players emerging from the academy.
“No, I wouldn’t put it down to that to be honest,” Maguire told journalists during a press conference before facing Rangers, as quoted by ManUtd.com.
“Whether I’m captain or not I do see myself as a leader in this group of players.”
He added: “I’m experienced now, I’ve been at the club over five years and I know that in times where you play for this club there are so many ups and downs.
“Every game that you lose there is a lot of scrutiny on the players and players get targeted, that is part and parcel of playing for this club. You’ve got to accept and take the responsibility on.”
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