Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Harry Maguire stay suggested as two reasons for being ‘scapegoated’ at Man Utd theorised

Harry Maguire scores for Man Utd during Premier League game against Leeds

Harry Maguire could have become a scapegoat at Manchester United for two reasons, claims a pundit who still expects him to stay at Old Trafford.

Maguire endured a difficult 2021-22 season, as did most of his Manchester United teammates. The club captain was in the spotlight amid a string of disappointing displays. He was part of a United backline that leaked more goals than relegated Burnley.

Given United paid a world-record sum for a defender to sign Maguire from Leicester in 2019, he is someone they would have been expecting better from.

In turn, the club have been linked with a number of targets in his position ahead of Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge.

It has led to two doubts for Maguire: whether he will retain his role as United’s captain, and whether he will even still be at the club by the end of the summer.

For pundit Paddy Kenny, the captaincy question cannot be answered. However, he feels Maguire should still fight for his place – and that all his teammates should be under similar scrutiny.

“Maguire has had fingers pointed at him but I think that should be every Man Utd player really,” Kenny told Football Insider.

“I feel like he has been scapegoated. Whether it is because he cost so much or because he is the captain.

“If they are looking to sign one or two centre-halves, you need three or four in that position.

“I’m sure he will be fighting for the position if he does stay. I have to say I think he will stay.

“He always does well for England no matter how his club form is. It’s a strange one, whether he will still be captain I don’t know.”

Harry Maguire must improve next season

Maguire has made 144 appearances for Manchester United during his time there so far. His contract is due to run until 2025, with the option of a further year.

Harry Maguire is being scapegoated at Manchester United

Harry Maguire is being scapegoated at Manchester United

Manchester United fans taking frustrations out on Harry Maguire, is he really problem

As Kenny stated, Maguire has performed well enough at international level. Whether Ten Hag can get something better out of him for United, only time will tell.

Either way, if new signings arrive at Old Trafford, Maguire will need to raise his standards to compete with them.

The defender is well aware of that fact himself. Hence, 2022-23 could be the making or breaking of Maguire at Man Utd if he stays.

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