Harry Maguire was one of the more shocking exclusions from England’s World Cup squad, but Phil Neville has a theory that is damning for Michael Carrick.
Another renaissance was completed by Harry Maguire at Man Utd under Michael Carrick, as he became a key player to power a UCL qualification push.
He earned himself a new contract, and this second wind in his career saw him well-placed to go to the USA for another World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel snubbed him in a shock call, but Phil Neville has a theory as to why that happened.
Harry Maguire has been left out of England’s World Cup squad ❌🦁 did he deserve a spot on the plane?
Maguire has admitted he is "shocked and gutted". What are your thoughts on Tuchel's decision?😳
Phil Neville’s Harry Maguire’s World Cup snub theory
Maguire made no effort to hide his frustration at Tuchel’s call, and it was largely justified, given the players chosen ahead of him.
However, Neville has played the devil’s advocate and put forward a theory that Maguire is no longer suitable for how Tuchel is progressing England’s style of play.
He said [via The Times]: “Since Carrick came in, United have played low, compact, counterattacking football. If England had come into this tournament taking that approach, employing a low block, ten men behind the ball, a really compact shape, then Harry would be in the starting line-up.
“He’s the best player in that back four because of his experience and the way he reads the game. He’s brilliant at defending the box.
“What I’m talking about here is not his strength. Here in the US, England are playing a different style, and it’s what I most admire about them. He was a perfect centre half for the way Gareth Southgate set up his team. But this England side have moved on under Tuchel.”
Neville’s theory is a dilemma for Michael Carrick
It’s a criticism levied at Maguire for the longest time, that he is limited to being a box defender, but it is spreading its wings to engulf Michael Carrick now.
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Carrick is battling tactical questions anyway despite guiding Man Utd to a third-place finish last season.
People think he’s limited and played a counter-attacking style of football, thereby making Maguire an indispensable part of the team.
That is lazy analysis, as United took the game to the opposition at times, and the conservative style of defence was forced upon Carrick due to the personnel at his disposal.
Casemiro’s struggles with Brazil have proven as much, and he can further hammer it home by evolving this team next season, with or without Maguire.
To say that Maguire is simply unfit for a front-footed style of football does a huge disservice to a player and a manager who have made the most out of what they had at their disposal.
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