A sour first title for Maguire. I’m a footballer who wants to play, says United captain

Harry Maguire won his first career title. The most expensive defender in football history is Manchester United’s captain, but his first trophy has a bit of a sour taste. He is only a substitute in the current team.

While in previous seasons Maguire was an undisputed member of the starting line-up and played practically every time he could, in the current season, on the contrary, he plays only when it is absolutely necessary.

Erik ten Hag prefers other stoppers. The duo of Raphael Varane – Lisandro Martínez is a solid pairing, with Victor Lindelöf and even flanker Luke Shaw ahead of Maguire in the hierarchy. Maguire is thus only 19th in United’s squad in minutes (906), and 16th in games played (20th).

“Winning titles is the goal of this club. It’s been a long time since the last one and we have to do it for everyone around United,” Maguire had earlier gushed. He is right, United last won any trophy in 2017 under Jose Mourinho.

They added another on Sunday when they beat Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final. For Maguire, at 29, it was his first trophy, having previously played for Sheffield United, Hull, Wigan and Leicester, but he didn’t reach the trophy with either team.

He is a European vice-champion with England and also has a silver medal from the Europa League with Manchester United. But when the Red Devils captain lifted the trophy above his head for the first time in a red jersey, it had a rather sour taste.

After all, Maguire has only had a cameo role in Manchester United’s recent successes, only getting on the pitch sporadically.

“I have mixed feelings. It’s a very good day for the club and the fans. I’m the captain and my job is to help the team go forward, but I’m a player who wants to play and go with the boys out of the tunnel. I understand that this is part of football at the highest level and that there is a lot of competition,” Maguire assured after the game.

Source: MARCA