Harry Maguire is now renowned as one of the leaders in the Manchester United dressing room.
Few Manchester United players have faced as many questions as Harry Maguire.
Before Maguire was stripped of the captaincy by Erik ten Hag in 2023, after briefly losing his place in United’s first team, the England international was heavily criticised for his performances.
Maguire couldn’t catch a break and needed to be taken out of the spotlight. He eventually battled his way back into Ten Hag’s plans and is now recognised as an important player under Ruben Amorim.
The one area of the team Amorim seems happy with is the defence, considering the United head coach still wants to sign a goalkeeper and midfielder after adding three new attacking players to his squad in the summer transfer window.
United kick off the 2025/26 Premier League season against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Maguire in contention to start at the centre of a back three. Amorim can opt for one of two experienced options for this role, as Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt both enjoyed an impressive pre-season.
Maguire started in United’s final pre-season friendly against Fiorentina last weekend.
Harry Maguire playing against Fiorentina in a pre-season friendly at Old Trafford.
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Harry Maguire compares Manchester United and England
Ahead of the new season, former United defender Rio Ferdinand sat down with Maguire for his latest podcast.
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Maguire opened up on several topics, including Ten Hag’s decision to strip him of the captaincy, although the 32-year-old was in favour of Bruno Fernandes succeeding him to lead the dressing room.
The former Leicester City defender was asked what the biggest differences he noticed were between playing for United and England.
Maguire noted how United are hated, adored, but never ignored.
“I think there’s more scrutiny on Manchester United just because more people in the country hate them,” Maguire told Rio Ferdinand Presents.
“And that’s just a fact. Everyone in the Premier League dislikes Man United and they don’t want to see them do well, so I think there is more scrutiny on Manchester United.
“Whereas in England, everyone gets together. I can tell you how an England would go because when you get over 30 at England, I think the fans start to, ‘yeah get out, let’s play these young guys’, who are coming through, who are amazing highlights on Twitter and things.”
Maguire hoping to make Thomas Tuchel’s squad
A strong start to the Premier League season could see Maguire in contention to return to the England squad.
The next international break takes place during September 1-9 2025.
England will host Andorra at Villa Park on September 6, before facing Serbia away from home three days later. Both matches are World Cup qualifiers.
However, it remains to be seen if Thomas Tuchel will select Maguire in his squad for the internationals in September.
Tuchel didn’t select a single United player in his last England squad.
Other United players in contention for a place in Tuchel’s next squad include Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount.