Harry Maguire's defiant Man Utd decision vindicated as ex-captain handed chance

01 October 2023 , 20:48

1249     0

Harry Maguire's defiant Man Utd decision vindicated as ex-captain handed chance

Harry Maguire opted to stay at Manchester United despite transfer interest over the summer, and an injury setback for team-mate Lisandro Martinez means he could finally get an extended run in the team.

West Ham were the most vocal suitors for the England international, who lost the United captaincy over the summer. A £30m deal with the Hammers had looked close, only for it to collapse shortly after the start of the Premier League season.

Maguire has started just once this season, in a Carabao Cup win against Crystal Palace, and made two further substitute appearances in the Premier League. With Lisandro Martinez suffering a fresh injury blow, though, Maguire's defiance could be rewarded as soon as Tuesday.

Martinez missed a chunk of games last season but returned at the start of the current campaign. He hasn't played since the Champions League group stage defeat against Bayern Munich. Now, reports have emerged suggesting metatarsal surgery could see the Argentine sidelined for a number of months.

Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof started United's last league game against Crystal Palace. However, the latter came in for criticism after the game as Erik ten Hag's side fell to a Joachim Andersen goal.

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

United will take on Galatasaray in the Champions League this week, with Martinez absent and occasional centre-back Luke Shaw also still missing. Lindelof might still get the nod, but former Chelsea and Ireland stiker Tony Cascarino believes the Swede's position should be under scrutiny.

Does Harry Maguire deserve to start against Galatasaray? Have your say in the comments section

Harry Maguire has started just once this season (Matt West/REX/Shutterstock)

"Lindelof has been, I'd say, probably third choice [for Manchester United]," Cascarino said on talkSPORT. "Obviously Martinez before he got injured and Varane were the choice, but he's going to be called on a lot this season.

"He's got to be a better defender, he has got away with being... people go after [Harry] Maguire, Lindelof has got off scot-free. There's been a number of games I've watched Lindelof where I've felt, 'Do you know what? You haven't covered yourself in glory there', and yesterday was one of them, definitely for the goal."

Galatasaray stayed in touch with Super Lig leaders Fenerbahce over the weekend. They beat Ankaragucu 2-1 on home soil, with former Man Utd winger Wilfried Zaha on target, though rivals Fener responded with a win of their own on Sunday to reclaim top spot.

The Turkish champions drew their European opener, coming from 2-0 down to rescue a point against FC Copenhagen. The upcoming trip to Old Trafford will be their first since 2012, when Michael Carrick gave the English side a Champions League group stage victory.

Tom Victor