Harry Maguire urged to end his Man United misery by Red Devils legend Dwight Yorke, who views his Old Trafford exit as a “no-brainer”.
Harry Maguire has endured a particularly difficult two years that have seen him come under intense scrutiny, jeered by his own fans and lose both his role as captain and starting spot in the heart of United’s defence. Maguire found himself on the bench for the Red Devils’ first game of the new Premier League season. This came in the form of a 1-0 home win over Wolves.
Maguire failed to get a look-in even when Lisandro Martinez was taken off at half-time. Boss Erik ten Hag opted to send on Victor Lindelof to partner Raphael Varane instead. For much of the summer, it has seemed likely that the ex-Leicester centre-back would leave amid intense interest from West Ham.
However, any potential move to East London has since fallen through. The Hammers have failed to agree personal terms with Maguire despite reaching an agreement with United over a fee. Ten Hag is by no means frustrated by Maguire’s reluctance to leave. In fact, he still views the 30-year-old as a good back-up option to call upon should he need to.
Yorke, on the other hand, doesn’t see it quite the same way. As a result, he has publicly told Maguire it is time he sought out a new club to test himself at.
“I don’t think Harry Maguire will be an option for squad depth now, not when he’s been humiliated by the manager who spoke publicly about fighting for his place,’ York said.
“It’s about being the best in your position at the club. That’s what he needs to aim for. His confidence will be low after his captaincy was taken away. Imagine seeing Luke Shaw playing in your position and you’re still on the bench, imagine what that would do to your confidence.”
The former Red Devils forward went on to discuss the psychological impact Ten Hag’s recent snubs would have had on Maguire and the damage they would have done to his standing in the United dressing room.
“Maguire might see it differently and he’s entitled to. But I think him leaving Man United is a no-brainer,” he added. “His respect in the changing room would have diminished, he would have been embarrassed by what’s happened in recent weeks.”
With less than two weeks to go before the window closes, it looks as if Maguire is going to stay put and try, perhaps in vain, to fight for his place in the United starting line-up.