Matic recalls awkward telling off for Maguire over Man Utd rule he created

Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has recalled how Harry Maguire fell foul of his dressing room rules just days after putting them in place.

United’s players have shown a strong relationship on the field this term, with the club second in the Premier League.

However, connections off the pitch are crucial in guiding success.

Serbian midfielder Matic and captain Maguire are two of the most senior players in the Red Devils‘ side. As such, the responsibility fell on them to put together a list of rules for themselves and their colleagues to follow.

One such rule is the banning of mobile phone use before and during training. But despite playing a key role in devising the regulations, Maguire quickly found himself in debt.

“He was fined, yeah,” Matic told manutd.com of his team-mate’s actions.

“The problem was [that] me and him, we decide what are the fines! A few days later, he brought the phone to the gym, so I said, ‘Harry, I’m sorry…’

“It’s very important, discipline, in our team, so that’s why we made some basic rules.

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“Not to be late for training, not to be late for meetings, no phones in the gym. The guys struggled to adapt for a few months, so we had a lot of money in our account, but it’s going to be better!”

Maguire himself questioned the fine, but accepted the need for tough regulations.

Maguire accepting of Man Utd fines

“It’s crazy, but I let Nemanja do it,” the England international said.

“I took the hit and put the money in the pot. When you meet in the gym before training for pre-activation, you are not allowed your phone. We did pre-activation; I didn’t have my phone.

“But then you go outside to put your boots on and you aren’t allowed to go on your phone in that period. I had my phone and carried it out with me.

“[But] I wasn’t on my phone. Straight after training, I was going to put my trainers back on and go up for a massage instead of coming all the way back [to the changing room].

“I could have gone straight to a massage, and Nemanja fined me for that. But he’s strict with everyone so I’m happy. I can set the standard.”

United return to action on Sunday for a crucial top-four clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

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