Harry Maguire had a torrid season with Manchester United but Arsenal legend Martin Keown has urged Erik ten Hag to keep faith in the England defender.
The centre-back was one of the most vulnerable players for United last season, both under Solskjaer and also under Ralf Rangnick and now rumours are ripe that the new manager is already making plans to push him down the pecking order.
Players like Timber and Pau Torres are being linked with a move to Manchester United but amidst all the hate, Harry Maguire seems to have found a sympathizer in Martin Keown.
Keown wrote in his column for the MailOnline: ‘The criticism of Harry Maguire, and the way his career has been picked apart by people who think they know better, is disrespectful.
‘Fans and pundits can provide constructive criticism but at times, it’s felt like comments made about Maguire have fallen more into the abuse category and that’s wrong.
‘This is a good player who has taken on the pressure of captaining Manchester United and a central defender who has earned the trust of Gareth Southgate because he has been dependable.
‘I was criticised when I made a mistake — that comes with the territory of being a centre-half and playing for a big club — but I didn’t have to contend with social media which can be more impactful and personal.
‘He’s got a good network of family and friends to help him cope with the deluge of comments. They’re the people he needs to listen to — not the outside noise.
‘Maguire is more than capable of pulling himself out of this difficult patch and enjoying his career again.’
Thanks for your unbelievable support #EnglandAway 😍 pic.twitter.com/ykzXIn5j5h
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) June 8, 2022
Will Harry Maguire get a new lease of life at Manchester United?
Harry Maguire is supposed to sit down with the new manager in order to discuss his future but as per the latest reports, this talk is yet to take place.
Erik ten Hag is eager to add a new and pacey central defender to his squad and there are rumours that he is also thinking of stripping Maguire off the captain’s armband.
United spent a hell lot of money to sign the defender from Leicester City so there’s no way he will be sold this summer but we highly doubt if the 29-year-old will be the partner to Raphael Varane next season.
Either Jurrien Timber or Pau Torres is going to be the likely replacement for Harry Maguire and with the way Manchester United are pushing they should be able to bring one of them on board before the next season kicks off.
Harry Maguire is brilliant when defending deep inside his own half and keeping the opponent forwards in check but he is not someone who can play a high line or help build attacks from the back. If Man United want to seriously challenge the likes of Manchester City or Liverpool, Erik ten Hag needs to revamp his defence and bring in a modern-day central defender who not only has pace but is also good with the ball at his feet.
