Harry Maguire situation gives Manchester United a new dilemma

Manchester United players had hoped the international break would act as a sweet respite from the bitter club season so far, but the boos for Harry Maguire at Wembley on Tuesday night were another reminder of the pressure and scrutiny when you captain the biggest side in English football.

For much of the modern era, playing for United had eclipsed the honour of playing for England, yet after a renaissance under Gareth Southgate, the international camp appears to be a lot happier than the disenchantment at Old Trafford.

Maguire was ironically jeered by some United fans when he was substituted against Atletico Madrid earlier in the month. His inclusion in the England squad — for whom he has always played so well — looked like the perfect chance for a confidence boost, but instead it only amplified the pressure on him.

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There can be no denying the fact the 29-year-old has endured an awful season for United, helped in no part by the fact he is the captain and the poster boy of a campaign of failure. However, some of the criticism of him has been totally misplaced. There is a dangerous narrative, certainly among some sections of social media supporters, who blame every goal conceded and every dropped point on the club captain. Maguire has become an easy scapegoat when others have performed worse.

The United man reached a genuine world-class level twice while playing for England in major tournaments and is in part let down by the lack of midfield protection at United and the fact that he is better suited to the tactical approach implemented by Southgate at international level too.

Whenever the Sheffield-born stopper makes an