Crystal Palace defender sends Harry Maguire message after Manchester United future admission

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi insists Harry Maguire is a 'top professional' and a great asset to the England squad.

Maguire has become a figure of unfair criticism for both club and country, having fallen down the pecking order at centre-back under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. During the last international break in September, he was goaded by Scotland fans after scoring an own goal.

Guehi is at the opposite end of his international career, having only made his debut for the senior side in March of last year. The 23-year-old is part of a new group of central defenders hoping to succeed Maguire but admits having that experience in the squad is crucial.

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“He is a top professional, a great guy to have around the camp, one of the leaders,” Guehi told BBC Radio 5Live. “I think people forget things very quickly, but he was Manchester United captain, someone who has played for England at many, many top competitions and has helped the team and the nation to get where they are today.

“So, let’s not forget what he has done in a hurry because he is definitely a top player and an even better person for sure.”

Maguire has continued to feature for England despite seeing minutes limited with United. At the World Cup last year, he started every game for Gareth Southgate's squad and continues to do a job for his country.

But with club minutes only shrinking, Southgate has suggested the defender's position is never guaranteed and Maguire admitted on Thursday that he could leave Old Trafford in search of more regular football.

“I am not going to sit here all my life