Beleaguered Manchester United defender Harry Maguire came through the academy at Bramall Lane before making his professional debut at Sheffield United.
Currently away with England for the international break, Maguire candidly admits that recent months at Old Trafford have been ‘tough’ as he is currently planning discussions concerning his future. The Three Lions defender will return for Manchester United’s upcoming fixture against Paul Heckingbottom’s men.
Maguire has been consigned to the bench for long stretches under Erik ten Hag and it is the general consensus of opinion of many outside of the club that he has at times also been used as a scapegoat for the dismal performances of the team. He was surprisingly reinstated in the starting XI for the Red Devils’ recent victory over Brentford and is hopeful of starting against Sheffield United.
Bramall Lane will no doubt hold fond memories for the 30-year-old as he made his professional debut for the club after progressing through its famous academy. It’s a club that occupies a special place in his heart and he went on to make 166 appearances for United.
Sheffield United have every right and reason to be proud of their association with Maguire, as he is justifiably part of an alumni featuring some of the biggest names in English football in recent years.
However, the Bramall Lane alumni may now find his time at Old Trafford coming to an end as Maguire is candid that he wants regular football. Speaking on media duty for England, he said: “I believe in my ability and what I have done in my career as every player should. Every player who is on the bench should believe they should be starting, otherwise they would not be playing at a higher level.
“I am no different. It’s been tough. I want to play games, I want to feel important to the club and important to the rest of the team. At the moment I haven’t been playing anywhere near as much as I would have liked.
“I have to make sure I am ready to take the opportunities when they are ready to come along. I am not going to sit here all my life and play once a month. If it carries on I am sure myself and the club will sit down and have a chat about things.”