Harry Maguire celebrated his return to the international scene, even if Thomas Tuchel’s comments about him miss the point.
The fruits of the renaissance under Michael Carrick have benefited Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo just in time for the World Cup.
Both returned to the England national team during this break, with Maguire playing the full 90 minutes and Mainoo coming off the bench for James Garner against Uruguay.
Tuchel rewarded their renaissance, but his remark about Maguire completely missed the point afterwards. Fortunately, it puts United in a win-win situation.
HOW will Harry Maguire be remembered at Manchester United?💥
Thomas Tuchel misses the point with Harry Maguire comment
On current form, there aren’t many English CBs better than Harry Maguire.
Add to that his leadership, experience of playing in big tournaments, and his game ageing like fine wine, and it becomes impossible to ignore his credentials.
Apparently, it’s possible for Tuchel to do so, as he listed out a number of players with a “different profile” who are ahead of him in the pecking order.
Some names are understandable, but others simply aren’t.
He said: “I haven’t changed my mind, but I see other players I like to start for us, I see Konsa and Guehi ahead. I see Chalobah, on the level of mobility, as slightly ahead of him. I see other players ahead with a different profile.”
For context, Guehi has struggled to hit top form since joining Man City, and Trevoh Chalobah has 90 minutes of international experience.
This comment by Tuchel will sting Maguire, and is likely to end in one of two scenarios, both of which are a win for United.
Michael Carrick in a win-win position with Maguire
Tuchel’s comments are a reality check for Maguire after his return to international football, and this will go one of two ways.
With the World Cup now weeks away, which players do you predict will do well at the tournament?
And how far will they make it?👀
First, is that Maguire takes it as a challenge, and he has a habit of proving his doubters wrong when the criticism hits its peak.
In that case, Carrick will benefit from a driven version of the player who will do everything in his power in the remaining seven league games to change Tuchel’s mind.
Considering that he’s already in top form, United will be delighted if Maguire unlocks another level.
The second possibility is that Tuchel’s mind is made up, in which case United will benefit from a Maguire who is fresher.
At 33, minute-management won’t hurt Maguire, and if that happens by virtue of playing fewer minutes at the World Cup, or missing out on it, then it bodes well for United’s prospects next season.
Therefore, United either get a super Maguire or a fresher Maguire. Tuchel’s comments have put Carrick in a win-win situation.
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