Maguire says patience rewarded after reclaiming Man Utd place

Manchester United’s English defender #05 Harry Maguire reacts at the end of the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Luton Town at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on November 11, 2023. – Manchester United wins 1 – 0 against Luton Town. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)

Harry Maguire says he feels vindicated over his decision to stay and fight for his place at Manchester United after forcing his way back into Erik ten Hag’s team.

The 30-year-old England defender’s future appeared to lie away from Old Trafford after he lost his starting place last season and was stripped of the captaincy but he ended up staying put.

Maguire remained confident he would win his place back and has started the club’s past eight matches in all competitions.

Asked it feels like personal vindication for staying at United, he said: “Of course.

“I played a few games last year, 16 or 17 starts, and I felt like I performed really well in the games I played in. I just didn’t play as many as I would have liked.

“On the other hand, Rapha (Varane) and Licha (Lisandro Martinez) were playing brilliantly and kept numerous clean sheets. I had to bide my time and be patient.

“I had two or three opportunities last season to get a run of games but I broke down with illness, I broke down with injuries twice, so I never got the rhythm and never got the run of games that I could prove myself to the manager.

“I have got that now, I am really enjoying my football and I really enjoy playing for this club.”

Maguire has brushed off regular abuse from fans during matches for United and England as “banter”, saying his achievements have helped him retain self-belief.

“Working hard in training is the main thing and making sure you’re ready,”