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Harry Maguire: 'I am under more scrutiny at Manchester United'

Maguire: 'I am under more scrutiny at Manchester United'
© Reuters
Harry Maguire says that he is "under a lot more scrutiny" at Manchester United than with England.

Harry Maguire has said that he is "under a lot more scrutiny" at Manchester United than with England.

The 29-year-old has lost his starting role in the Red Devils side this season, but he was still selected by England boss Gareth Southgate for the 2022 World Cup.

Maguire has been a vital player for the Three Lions at the tournament, taking to the field for 70 minutes against Iran in their competition opener before playing full games against the USA, Wales and Senegal.

The centre-back is also in line to start Saturday's World Cup quarter-final with France, and he has suggested that he finds it easier playing for his country than Man United.

"I don't think there's different pressure. The pressure of playing in a World Cup with England at this stage is the biggest tournament in the world," Maguire told reporters.

Harry Maguire in action for England on September 23, 2022© Reuters

"At Man United I'm under a lot more scrutiny. Everything I do gets analysed. Every pass I make gets analysed. Every goal we concede is a defender's fault.

"And if you're playing week in, week out as I did for three years, the last year hasn't been good enough. Everyone in the team didn't play well enough and we came under a lot of scrutiny as players.

"No one came out of the season with plaudits. The last year has been difficult and I haven't played as well as I've done in the previous five years at the top level but I think during a career there's only probably Lionel Messi and Cristiano [Ronaldo] who've not had a dip in their careers."

Maguire has only played nine times for Man United this season, with just four of those in the Premier League.

Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are now ahead of the Red Devils captain in the pecking order, while Victor Lindelof has also been picked over the former Leicester City defender this term.

Harry Maguire in action for Manchester United on August 13, 2022© Reuters

There remains uncertainty surrounding Maguire's future at club level, with Man United boss Erik ten Hag said to be willing to let him leave the club next summer.

However, the Englishman has insisted that he does not pay too much attention to the speculation surrounding his future or criticism of his performances.

"I don't read too much if I'm being honest," he added. "You pick up bits and bobs and maybe my family read things more than me. I tell them to stay off [social media], but maybe they don't because it's a habit for most people these days.

"I read little bits and bobs, but I'm 29 years old, the captain of Manchester United and have made 52 appearances for my country.

"So, when I look back on my career and put everything into perspective, if I was a young boy then I'm living the dream. I'm doing everything I always wanted to do. Where I'm at at the moment, the next stage of my career I want to start winning trophies."

Maguire kept hold of the captaincy at Old Trafford this season despite his disappointing form in 2021-22, but Bruno Fernandes has largely sported the armband in his absence.

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Written by
Matt Law

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