Former Arsenal player and legend Martin Keown has inflicted that Manchester United’s defender Harry Maguire has been used as a scapegoat by the fans. According to Keown, Maguire has nothing to do with the recent below-par performances by the Red Devils. The legend exposes the real problem at United while giving the 30-year-old a lifeline.
The Arsenal legend said, “Some of us talk about driving buses through a soccer team, I think you can do that now with Manchester United. It’s the midfield that is the problem, Harry Maguire is not necessarily the problem.”
Martin Keown believes Man United fans are using Harry Maguire as a ‘scapegoat’ 👀 pic.twitter.com/Kg0z0GnqFE
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) September 9, 2023
In this summer transfer window, the English international was looking set to join United’s Premier League rivals West Ham United. However, the deal fell through as the 30-year-old rejected the $37.3 million transfer proposal from West Ham. Additionally, it was reported that the player wanted a payoff sum close to $18.65 million from the Red Devils. Earlier, Erik ten Hag stated that the defender has to fight for his place if he wants to stay at the club.
Ever since the defender has refused to leave the club on his terms, there has been an outburst among the fans. Seeing the recent performances of Manchester United fans, they have begun to criticize the defender and make him the scapegoat. Maguire hasn’t been a major part of Erik ten Hag’s playing eleven this season. The defender only came on against Arsenal in the later stages of the second half.
The problem actually lies in United’s midfield. It is being highlighted by the experts after United’s performances against Wolves, Tottenham Hotspur, and recently Arsenal. With this, it’s baffling to understand the fan’s frustration and anger towards the defender alone.
Harry Maguire was included in the England eleven against Ukraine by the manager Gareth Southgate
England took on Ukraine in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign on September 9. The 30-year-old English defender was included in the starting eleven by manager Gareth Southgate. With the current situation surrounding the player at Manchester United, it came as a surprise for all the fans. This is mainly due to the player not being able to have quality playing time under his belt.
It showed Southgate’s backing for the player. It also hints that the manager still considers him an important individual when it comes to his squad of players. Fans were also baffled by the decision by Gareth Southgate to bench Marcus Rashford but give Maguire the opportunity to start the match.
The defender has fallen down the pecking order with United’s manager, Erik ten Hag. But the England manager seems to have him as one of his first-choice defenders. It remains to be seen whether his performances on the international stage can pave his way back into United’s starting eleven.
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