“I heard my replacement is in Manchester ahead of his medical today but that won’t discourage me from fighting for my position… However, I’m disappointed by the Club because is this all I deserve after doing so much for the Club?”: Harry Maguire angered by Man United’s decision to sign his replacement without proper consultation as the Player spotted in Manchester ahead of big money move
Harry Maguire expressed his frustration and determination amidst Manchester United’s recent actions. He noted, “I heard my replacement is in Manchester ahead of his medical today but that won’t discourage me from fighting for my position… However, I’m disappointed by the Club because is this all I deserve after doing so much for the Club?”
Despite being stripped of the captaincy a year ago and facing the prospect of a transfer, Maguire remains resolute. He highlighted his efforts to overcome adversity and regain his place in the team, only to be sidelined by injury, missing crucial tournaments like the FA Cup final and Euro 2024.
Reflecting on these setbacks during United’s pre-season tour in the US, Maguire described the past year as the toughest of his career. He recounted his determination to return to full fitness for the FA Cup final and subsequent Euros, only to be hindered by recurring injuries. This cycle of hope and disappointment left him frustrated.
Maguire’s injury initially seemed minor, a three-week calf issue, but repeated setbacks dashed his hopes of participating in significant matches. He initially joined the England squad to prove his fitness but had to withdraw after another setback, missing the Euro final where England lost to Spain. The emotional toll of these missed opportunities weighed heavily on him.
“When I first did the injury, I thought I’d be fit for the FA Cup final. So I pushed myself for the final, and then I had a setback in the week leading up to it, which ruled me out,” Maguire explained. “At that time again, it was no problem. I was going to be fit for the Euros. Then I went away with England and I had another setback, so yeah, it was so frustrating.”
Maguire acknowledged that in hindsight, accepting he wouldn’t play might have been easier. Instead, he was continually on the cusp of returning, only to face disappointment. Despite these challenges, he stayed connected with his teammates and managed to find enjoyment in watching England’s success with his family and friends.
Manchester United’s summer signings have added to the uncertainty surrounding Maguire’s future. The club brought in French Under-21 defender Leny Yoro from Lille for £58.8 million and is considering other defenders like Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt. While Victor Lindelof might be sold, Maguire, in the final year of his contract with an option to extend, remains determined to stay.
“Listen, until I get told ‘You’re up for sale or we want you to leave’ I want to play for this club and make it successful again,” Maguire stated. He emphasized that he has received no indication that the club wants him to leave. He remains committed to contributing to Manchester United’s success under the new ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Maguire is optimistic about the club’s direction and appreciates the stability provided by Ratcliffe and his team’s support of manager Erik ten Hag. He admitted that uncertainty around the manager’s position impacted player performance last season when United finished eighth in the Premier League. Despite these challenges, he praised ten Hag’s handling of the situation, particularly in the lead-up to the Cup final.
The celebrations following their Cup final victory were tinged with uncertainty due to ongoing discussions about ten Hag’s future, with the club considering other managerial options. Maguire’s reflections reveal a player deeply committed to his club, yet navigating a challenging period marked by injuries and uncertainty about his future.
