- Maguire provided an assist in Manchester United’s 2-1 win versus Brentford
- Jamie Carragher praises defender
- 33 year-old returned to starting eleven after serving suspension
Manchester United continued their winning ways after the 2-1 win against Brentford on Monday night (27 April).
One of the biggest boosts to the side was having Harry Maguire back in the starting eleven. The defender has missed the last two games after being sent off against AFC Bournemouth on 20 March. He served an additional one-game ban for improper conduct, missing the victory at Stamford Bridge.
Maguire’s return was duly needed. Next to Ayden Heaven, the duo provided a solid foundation and reduced the Bees to four shots on target all game.
Carragher Praises Maguire
Speaking in the Sky Sports studio after the game, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher shared his insights on Maguire.
“He is a top player,” Carragher remarked. “You see what he’s done for England at tournament level, he’s come in at Manchester United, got the captain’s armband, then he had a difficult spell as we do as footballers. But from looking from afar, he’s a top character.”
Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2020, the centre-back was appointed captain just five months after arriving at Old Trafford. However, the weight of the role took its toll on the former Leicester City man. It led to a subsequent loss of confidence and form.
Ultimately, this decline led Erik ten Hag to strip Maguire of the captaincy in 2023. Furthermore, the arrival and influence of Raphael Varane saw Maguire fall out of favour with the Dutchman, making an exit from Old Trafford seem inevitable.
Carragher continued: “What I mean by that is it would’ve been very easy for him to leave United on 2/3 occasions at different times. There was a little heat on him; supporters were getting on his back,”
Maguire did, in fact, come close to departing the club under Ten Hag. In the summer of 2023, a £30m fee was agreed upon with West Ham. However, the move collapsed because the former Hull City defender was adamant about staying and fighting for his place at Manchester United.
The Sky Sports pundit concluded: “The character that lad has shown, he signed a new contract for next season. To be at one of the biggest clubs in the world, where when it’s not going well, the flags flying, but for him to come through that and come back in the team. Manchester United need Harry Maguire.”
Resilient Maguire Deserves his Flowers
Ever since the moment he decided against joining the Hammers, Maguire’s fortunes have truly transformed.
He has established himself as a key pillar of the side, even while competing with Matthijs de Ligt for a starting spot in Ruben Amorim’s back three. Under Michael Carrick, the interim boss has placed his full trust in the defender. The 44-year-old has viewed him as the senior figure of experience in the backline. His recent assist in the 2–1 victory was not only a testament to his aerial dominance but also a clear reminder of how much his public perception has shifted.
Signing a new deal at Old Trafford was welcome news during what is anticipated to be a summer of change. While there may not yet be continental trophies or a Premier League title to show for his efforts, Maguire has successfully weathered the storm during some of the club’s most difficult years.
The club’s return to Champions League football with Maguire feels like a gesture of gratitude for his years of service. Having recently expressed his desire to retire at Old Trafford, Maguire is well-positioned to cement his legacy.
