Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says that Manchester United’s tactics don’t help defender Harry Maguire, as he launched a passionate defence of the England centre-back.
Hasselbaink was England assistant manager at the Euro 2024 tournament, and said the Three Lions ‘missed’ Maguire after he was ruled out through injury.
The former Netherlands striker admitted that Maguire ‘gets in trouble’ at United, but questioned the tactics of Ruben Amorim and previous managers at Old Trafford in failing to offer sufficient protection to the back line.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire in action against Aston Villa.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Speaking to Gary Neville on the Stick to Football Podcast, Hasselbaink was reflecting on his time with England last year and only had positive things to say about Maguire.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says Harry Maguire ‘needs protection’ at Manchester United
Explaining the positives of having Harry Maguire in the England and Manchester United squads, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was clear in how to accommodate him.
“We missed Harry Maguire [at Euro 2024],” Hasselbaink said. “He’s a top lad, always positive, will always put himself forefront even when he makes mistakes. He’s there, he doesn’t hide has a voice everybody respects him.
“The thing at Man United is that we all know what what what Harry Maguire is. At Man United, if you’re going to play open, yeah, he’s going to get in trouble.
“But if you protect him at the right ways, he’s going to be a proper proper leader. He’s going to be there. And whatever you say, he’s done brilliant for England.”
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink tells Ruben Amorim and Thomas Tuchel how to get the best out of Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire has not been included in Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia this week, and he has been on the bench for all three of United’s Premier League fixtures so far.
England v Brazil - International Friendly
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
But Hasselbaink feels there is a simple solution to getting the best out of the centre-back, and that is putting a defensive midfielder in front of him to allow him to focus on defending.
Hasselbaink said: “If you want to get the best out of him, you need to put a defensive midfielder in front of him and you need to help him out. And then he’s there and he’s a proper personality and a leader and and he battles.”
Maguire, 32, has 64 England caps, and 249 appearances for United since joining for £80m in 2019 from Sheffield United.