by Harry Maguire believes he has fully justified Gareth Southgate’s faith in him as he continued to excel for England even during his troubles at Manchester United.
The centre-back also insists that the club he played for brought about the scrutiny he faced – and that it would not have been the same if he had stayed at Leicester City.
Maguire’s redemption arc at United has been one of the unlikely success stories of another struggling campaign for the club and the 31-year-old was in buoyant mood after Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool. “It has to go down as one of the FA Cup classics,” says Mag Uidhir with a smile.
Even after losing the captaincy at United, even after he lost his place and was put up for sale – and West Ham United came close to signing him last summer – Southgate continued to select Maguire for England.
“I think, from the way I have played for my country in the previous competitions and the previous games, I should not have meant not playing for my club as regularly as I should for six months without being picked in a squad like when I played for my country, I played and performed well,” says Maguire.
“I think, ultimately, when he kept picking me I had to perform and my performances for my country always remained at a high level. He picked me in Qatar (for the World Cup) and I felt my performances in Qatar were brilliant – I didn’t play much that season, there are always question marks.
“I think he has the hardest job in the world picking a squad because football is a game of opinions. I understand that. There are a lot of people out there now who probably don’t think I should be in the squad. There are millions of people who think I should be.”
Certainly more now believe that Mag Uidhir is worth selecting than in the last few years when, as his form dropped and he lost his place, it seemed that he had been cut loose by United manager Erik ten Hag and did not. part of his plans.
Interestingly, Maguire is against this. “Ultimately I had a season (2022-23) where I didn’t play as much as I would have liked. Licha (Lisandro Martinez) and Rafa (Raphael Varane) were playing very well and the team was keeping a lot of slack and that’s football at times,” he says.
“The boss always told me, and he spoke highly of me, he also spoke a lot to the press when you asked him questions that he always believed in me. So I always knew that opportunities would come and I just had to take them.
“I feel that I am doing very well for my club. A few setbacks with injuries which were a bit frustrating and disappointing but I feel I’m in a good place.”
Even during the difficult times – and it was only last September that Scotland fans were delighted with Mag Uidhir and he scored an own goal in the friendly win over Glasgow – Southgate was unfazed as he is determined to make decisions independent of the club’s form.
The manager even described Maguire’s treatment as a “complete story” and the player’s mother, Zoe, also hit out at the criticism and abuse he received in a message posted on social media.
“But I also think that different clubs scout players differently and it’s a big factor when fans see him picking a squad,” insists Maguire, who joined United for £85million in 2019.
“I could have played for Leicester and had a bad game and then had six good guys, a couple of bad ones and everyone would think I’m in great form.
“If I did that for Manchester United it doesn’t happen like that… every goal we concede is analyzed and scrutinized and that’s the pressure of playing for Manchester United or playing for a big club.
“I think you see a lot with English careers and paths. You are built, built up, built up and then you have to maintain that high level to stay there or you will be shut down quickly.”
Maguire has been Southgate’s go-to man for eight years in charge and is set to win his 63rd cap in friendlies against Brazil and Belgium before the squad is selected for this summer’s European Championships.
Only Harry Kane has been selected by Southgate more often, while Maguire – as usual – will start alongside John Stones at the tournament in Germany.
“I always believed in my ability to perform on a football field. I went through a difficult year when a lot of scrutiny came my way. I was the captain of Manchester United and the team did not do well. When I looked back, I expected that (criticism),” says Maguire. “I’ve always believed in myself. I’m surrounded by great people, family, friends, Gareth has shown great faith in me, trust has me throughout, and that has given me the confidence to make sure I’m ready and available to play and perform.
“I believe I am mentally strong. I have overcome a lot. With experience you learn how to deal with things better. Of course, everyone loves it when things are going well, and people cheer for you. But during my career that doesn’t happen for a period of 10 to 15 years. There will be times when you will face obstacles and challenges.”
Given Southgate’s unwavering support, it’s no surprise to hear Maguire say he wants him to stay on as England manager. Southgate’s current contract expires at the end of the year.
“Sure,” he says. “I had a great relationship with him. I have been very involved in the success and progress we have shown as a country. And I’m sure he’ll say the same thing now, it’s all about winning a trophy.
“I don’t know what will happen after the Euro. I don’t know if he knows what’s going to happen. But I think what he’s done from when he first took over this job to where we are now, we’ve made huge progress and he’s a huge part of that.”
England will go into the tournament as one of the favourites, with Southgate himself having already confirmed that the focus must be on winning.
“I feel as a group we are ready to win,” says Maguire. “If you asked every single player in the squad they would say they are expected to win the competition.
“However, we understand that it’s competition football and if we’re going to win the Euros, you’re probably going to have to win a penalty, so you’re going to have to be prepared for that.
“Against France at the World Cup, that (quarter-final) game could have gone either way – but it went their way. We have to make sure we are ready to perform as well as we can so when the opportunity comes for us… I think the football competition is built on big moments and we have the players to make those big moments production. I think everyone understands that.”
Maguire: Mainoo could be the new Bellingham
Kobbie Mainoo has the same extraordinary level of maturity that Jude Bellingham had when England first called him up.
Maguire compared his 18-year-old Manchester United teammate to Bellingham, who was also just 17 when he was first picked by Southgate and is arguably the most exciting player in football. it is now global.
“I wasn’t worried. It’s unbelievable that he’s (only) 18, he’s so mature,” said Mainoo’s Maguire. “He’s a bit like Jude when he was a young lad. He has a mature head on his shoulders. I see his coaching ability every day. He just wants to work hard and do well.”
Maguire said there was no reason why Mainoo cannot force his way into the squad for this summer’s European Championships.
“I don’t see why,” he said. “Playing at a major tournament is a big thing, of course, to have experience but also the young lads come in and sometimes they play without any fear and they can excel that way.”
Maguire added: “I’ve been a big fan of his (Mainoo) since he started training with us (at United). I remember talking to (goalkeeper) Tom Heaton about it and I was saying ‘I think this boy has everything’.
He can handle the ball very well. He is really strong, powerful, and you can see the progress of playing that role, especially for Manchester United. The ‘six role’ is a huge role and a huge responsibility and I’m sure the positional part of his game will improve a lot the more he plays… he fully deserves his call-up.”
As a senior professional for club and country Maguire will take Mainoo under his wing. “I told him if he needs anything just ask me, text me, about anything, schedule, he deserves it well. He’s been great for us this season,” he said.
