Introduction
Harry Maguire, the towering central defender, has been an integral part of Manchester United‘s squad since his arrival in 2019. However, recent performances and certain underlying issues suggest that it might be beneficial for both the player and the club if Maguire considers a move away. This article delves into the reasons why Harry Maguire should explore new opportunities and how it could potentially be a positive step for his career.
Maguire Struggles on the Defensive Front
The decline in Harry Maguire’s form has been evident in recent seasons, particularly in his defensive performances. While he possesses physical strength and excellent aerial abilities, there have been instances where he has struggled with positioning and decision-making. These shortcomings have resulted in costly errors and goals conceded, which is concerning for a player of his caliber.
One area where Maguire has faced difficulties is when he is asked to defend in a slightly higher line. His lack of pace becomes more apparent when facing fast opponents, and he tends to dive into challenges rather than delaying the player and waiting for his teammates to reorganize. This leaves ample space for the opponent to exploit. However, it should be noted that when Maguire is asked to sit back and defend in a low block, he performs relatively well, particularly when dealing with crosses into the box.
In addition to struggles on the defensive front, Maguire has also been inconsistent in his performances. He has shown glimpses of brilliance but has also had lackluster outings. This inconsistency disrupts the defensive stability of the team and creates uncertainty at the back. A change of environment and a new challenge could potentially help Maguire regain his consistency and rediscover his best form.
Analyzing Maguire’s passing statistics reveals some interesting insights. In the 2021/2022 season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Maguire’s passing accuracy per game was 30.6 (85%), with 21.6 (94%) accurate passes in his own half and 9.0 (70%) accurate passes in the opposition half. Comparing these numbers to his previous seasons, there is a noticeable decrease in passing accuracy when playing in a higher defensive line. This could be attributed to confidence issues and the awareness that he lacks the pace to quickly recover from mistakes.
Tactical Misfit at Manchester United
Harry Maguire’s potential mismatch with Manchester United’s playing style and the team’s defensive vulnerabilities have been key factors contributing to his struggles at the club.
Maguire has demonstrated his abilities as a ball-playing center-back, showcasing his composure and distribution skills. However, Manchester United’s tactical setup may not fully exploit these strengths. The team’s style of play, characterized by fast-paced, high-intensity football, might not be the ideal fit for Maguire’s attributes. Moving to a team that aligns more closely with his playing style could provide him with the opportunity to showcase his true capabilities.
One area where Maguire has faced criticism is in his role as the leader of Manchester United’s defense. The team has exhibited defensive vulnerabilities in recent seasons, and Maguire has been at the forefront of the criticism for his inability to consistently organize and marshal the backline effectively. Playing a high defensive line has often put Maguire in vulnerable positions, where he is reluctant to engage in foot races with faster opponents. This cautious approach can lead to hesitations and errors in decision-making.
A change of scenery could prove beneficial for Maguire as he seeks to escape the constant pressure and expectations at Manchester United. Finding a system that allows him to thrive without being constantly exposed to scrutiny would provide him with the opportunity to regain confidence and establish himself as a formidable defender once again.
New challenge for Maguire
A fresh start and new challenges could be just what Harry Maguire needs to revitalize his career. While he has achieved a lot during his time at Manchester United, a move away from the club could provide him with the opportunity to reinvent himself and reach new heights. Joining a different team with fresh challenges could reignite his passion for the game and lead to a surge in his performance.
At the age of 30, Maguire still has several years left at the top level of football. Since joining Manchester United, he has had limited opportunities under new manager Erik ten Hag, starting only 8 league games. If he decides to leave, there are several potential options for him within the Premier League. Teams like West Ham, Tottenham, or Newcastle United could provide him with the style of play that suits him best. Playing in a low or mid block with energetic players around him to do the running could maximize his strengths. Moreover, if he wants to maintain his position in the England national team, it is crucial for him to move on and play regularly week in and week out.
Moving away from Manchester United would not only offer Maguire a fresh start but also the chance to explore different leagues and play against diverse styles of football. Venturing into new territories would broaden his horizons and expose him to different tactical approaches. The experiences gained from playing in different leagues would enhance his footballing knowledge and contribute to his growth as a player.
Looking at examples like Chris Smalling at AS Roma, Fikayo Tomori at AC Milan, or Tammy Abraham also at AS Roma, we see how moving abroad can be a positive step for players. Maguire could consider linking up with his England national team mate Tomori at AC Milan, or perhaps fulfill the desire of his former manager Jose Mourinho, who wanted to sign him back in the 2018/2019 season when he was at Manchester United.
Catch you in the next one.