Thomas Tuchel has shared his thoughts on Harry Maguire's reaction to being excluded from England's 2026 World Cup squad.
Which academy players could play for Manchester United's first-team this season?
More Videos
Thomas Tuchel's decision to exclude Harry Maguire from the England squad for the 2026 World Cup led to a lot of controversy, with many feeling that the Manchester United defender should have been involved.
Maguire had a good season at United last year and also has a lot of experience with England in major tournaments. He is also excellent in both boxes. He could have been brought on late in games when England were on the back foot and needed to defend, or could have been brought on when England were in need of a goal, as Maguire offers an aerial presence from set-pieces.
Maguire made it clear that he was not happy with Tuchel's decision, saying in a statement on social media that he was left 'shocked and gutted' by the decision.
Maguire has once again not been included in the England squad for the upcoming international break, with Tuchel instead opting for Jarrad Branthwaite, Trevor Chalobah, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa and Jarrel Quansah in central defence.
Tuchel shares thoughts on Maguire's reaction to World Cup omission
Thomas Tuchel was asked about Harry Maguire's reaction to being left out of the World Cup squad and made it clear that he was not pleased with the former United skipper.
"It doesn't help. It does not help," Tuchel said when asked if Maguire's reaction potentially complicates being selected for England in the future.
"I will not hold it against him for the rest of his life because I'm not that type of person. I can forget easily and quickly, but I didn't like it, and it doesn't help."
Maguire's omission is beneficial for United
While Maguire will likely be left frustrated with losing his place in the England team under Tuchel, his exclusion from the squad is beneficial for United.
Maguire will play a lot of minutes for United this season, and a few weeks of rest will be good for him. The more players who stay at Carrington during the international break, the better for Carrick, as he can use the time on the training field to ensure United look sharper when they return than they have looked so far this season.
Carrick's options in central defence are also not the greatest. Matthijs de Ligt has not played since November last year due to a back injury. Lisandro Martinez also has a poor injury record over the past few seasons. Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro are both very talented players, but as seen against Brighton and Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup, they both have flaws in their game that need to be ironed out before they can be relied upon to regularly start important games for United.
Maguire is therefore a crucial player for Carrick, and it is of the utmost importance that he stays fit.