MY ACCOUNT
As Manchester United defender Raphael Varane limped off the pitch at Chelsea last Saturday, all thoughts turned to the World Cup.
The Frenchman was in tears, fearful that he would miss out on his country’s title defence — but injuries provide opportunities to others.
United have six games before the pause for the global showpiece and boss Erik ten Hag must now decide who will partner Lisandro Martinez at centre-back.
Ahead of tonight’s Europa League tie against FC Sheriff, we assess whether now is the perfect time for England defender Harry Maguire to play his way back into form.
Sidelined
Maguire’s last Premier League start came in the humiliating 4-0 defeat at Brentford on August 13.
Following the humbling in West London, the club captain was an unused substitute for the next three games before a brief appearance against Arsenal and selection for United’s 1-0 home loss to Real Sociedad in early September.
He went on to play every minute of England’s Nations League defeat to Italy before giving away a penalty in the 3-3 draw with Germany on a night when the 29-year-old looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him up.
Since then, a hamstring injury has kept Maguire sidelined for each of United’s eight games this month.
Ten Hag backing
The past few months have undoubtedly been the toughest of Maguire’s career to date, especially with it all coming under a new manager.
But Ten Hag has reiterated his backing for the Yorkshireman previously and that will not have changed.
The Dutchman said: “First of all, of course I have to coach him [Maguire] and back him, but I back him because I believe in him.
“In the period I worked with him in pre-season he was good, really good in training, and in games I can see the qualities even when he’s not in the team.
“When he’s trained, the quality was there. You see his career, his caps for England for Leicester and for Manchester United, he performed really well.
“He has high potential and then it’s about him. The players, the coaches, the manager, we believe in him and that’s what I told him. I’m sure he can do it and turn it around.”
Leaning on Lindelof
The problem for Maguire is that in his absence, Victor Lindelof has been getting minutes and ensuring he is ready to step in at any moment.
Lindelof, 28, started the Premier League victory at Everton, as well as three of United’s four Europa League ties this term.
He also came off the bench at Stamford Bridge when Varane needed replacing, indicating he is Ten Hag’s favoured back-up.
Maguire, on the other hand, has had no competitive minutes in over a month, since the Wembley clash with Germany on September 26.
Opportunity knocks
It would be a bold move for Ten Hag to trust Maguire from the off tonight or against West Ham on Sunday.
But United have four games in three competitions across 11 days before the break, with trips to Real Sociedad in Europe, Aston Villa and Fulham in the league and a home clash with Villa in the Carabao Cup.
There is little doubt that Maguire, fitness permitting, will get some game-time before he travels to Qatar with the England squad.
It is the perfect time for Southgate’s trusted lieutenant to regain some match sharpness and confidence on the pitch.
Maguire mentality
What Maguire can do is make sure he is mentally ready to return to the pitch after that harrowing night at Wembley.
Southgate loves Maguire, wants him in his side and will almost certainly include him in his final 26-man squad.
But if he returns for a game and makes a big mistake, the groans and moans about his inclusion will grow.
Ex-United defender Jaap Stam said: “When he [Maguire] gets his minutes, because you’re going to have injuries and suspensions, he needs to use that opportunity to step in and show himself.
“If you’re not ready to step in, somebody else will play. That’s how you raise the bar and the level of football.”
Maguire should heed that advice and will know any slip-up could force Southgate to U-turn on the 48-cap international.
