Pressure mounting on Harry Maguire after Tottenham, Denmark debacle

Harry Maguire-Manchester United

You would never want to be in the shoes of Harry Maguire at this moment after what he had undergone over the last few weeks.

The 27-year-old was sent off in the first half of England’s Nations League game against Denmark earlier this week. Three Lions would lose the game 1-0. In fact Maguire was let off with a yellow early in the match, which could be direct red.

This happened just after the horrendous defeat that Manchester United suffered against Tottenham Hotspur at home. The margin of defeat clearly shows the United’s defensive lapses and Maguire was caught getting entangled with Luke Shaw, as Ndombele levelled the score for Spurs.

It seems Maguire lost his calmness after he was embroiled into the controversy during summer break. At the start of the last month, the Man Utd skipper was arrested following a reported brawl with the Policemen whilst on his holiday at Greek Island. The incident wasn’t received well as United had suffered a defeat against Sevilla in the semi-finals of Europa League a week prior.

Entering into the 19/20 season, all eyes were laid on him not only for the fuss he caused but for the price tag he carried all along from Leicester City last summer. Maguire, the second expensive player in United history, was often criticized for his performances, creating doubts amongst the fans whether he was worth the money.

However, Maguire didn’t beg to differ this season as his form continued to wither after suffering defeats against Crystal Palace and Tottenham, with the latter one taking the cake.

Maguire has been at the heart of United’s defence, which conceded 12 goals in three games. Even in their win against Brighton, they conceded 2 two goals.

The humiliating 6-1 defeat against Spurs earlier this month raised further questions on the entire Man Utd squad, let alone Maguire. Now the red card incident against Denmark shows things aren’t falling in place for the English centre-back.

There are also reports suggesting that Maguire is at the risk of getting dropped in the upcoming games. But I wonder whether Solskjaer has a competitive centre-half in the current squad. Like Solskjaer, many of  the United legends have called for the omission of Maguire this season. 

It will be interesting to see how Maguire will overcome the odds and live up to his expensive price tag.