Summer signing can help Harry Maguire capture England form for Manchester United after pundit's 'isolated' claim

Manchester United have enjoyed a fine run of form in the past month. Harry Maguire, on the other hand, has not. The Reds' club captain has made just five appearances for Erik ten Hag's side so far this season, and just three of those have come as a starter.

When Ten Hag stated that the 29-year-old would continue as United's skipper this campaign, many people remained convinced that the defender would eventually find himself among the substitutes - especially after the arrival of summer signing Lisandro Martinez.

Maguire, like many of his teammates, struggled last term. In what proved to be an underwhelming season for the Reds, the England international came under intense scrutiny for his personal performances, with the former Leicester man frequently criticised for a number of high-profile mistakes.

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While Maguire started the first two games of this season - which saw United lose to Brentford and Brighton - the Reds have opted for a centre-back partnership of Martinez and Varane in recent weeks, with Diogo Dalot and Tyrell Malacia operating from full-back.

The change in the defensive backline has helped Ten Hag's side deliver a number of improved performances, while also helping with an upturn in results. The defenders have, understandably, received plaudits for their impressive showings, but the club's midfielders have also been praised.

United often shaped up with Fred and Scott McTominay sitting in front of the defence last season, but neither were, or are, specialist holding midfielders. The duo could often be found wanting against the better sides, not only in Europe, but also in the Premier League. When representing