11 October 2023 , 08:20
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A lot has changed at Manchester United in the last three years.
Back in December 2020, the Red Devils were flying under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and viewed as genuine Premier League title candidates. They moved within touching distance of champions and leaders Liverpool after hammering Leeds 6-2 at Old Trafford. Although Manchester City went on to win the title, it was still viewed as a season for United.
Fans were particularly fond of captain Harry Maguire and talisman Bruno Fernandes, with Gary Neville describing them as "irreplaceable" and "vital" to United's jigsaw. Yet the situation is much different under Erik ten Hag today, with the pair dividing opinion.
Maguire is no longer a regular in United's staring XI and has faced fierce criticism during the last two years, while the leadership skills of new captain Fernandes have been placed under the microscope. Both players will are under pressure to prove their critics wrong.
Speaking on his Sky Sports Podcast in December 2020, Neville said: "They are the two players who I think are irreplaceable. Fernandes is irreplaceable, they are a way off without him. He’s a vital piece of the jigsaw. Maguire, I think, you’d know if he was missing.
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"My gut feeling is that they would miss him enormously. I know some people say he’s not the best defender in the league, that he’s not done brilliantly since he came for £80million, but he’s a big presence in the heart of the defence.
"He’s good on the ball, he’s composed and he’s good in the air. He doesn’t make a lot of mistakes, sometimes he gets caught but he’s a good centre-back, a really good centre-back and a big presence in that team... I’m not sure they can (rest them)."
Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire have faced their fair amount of criticism in recent months (Getty Images)What's your opinion of Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes? Let us know in the comments below!
Criticism of Maguire has been well documented in recent months, as he was taunted by Scotland fans during last month's friendly against England. The defender revealed the support he's received from his peers during a press conference on Tuesday.
David Beckham is among those to offer their support. Maguire said: "I actually spoke with David about three weeks ago, after the game. He got in touch with me so it was really nice of him and I really appreciated that."
Maguire added: "It meant everything. I've spoken throughout my career about David Beckham being someone I looked up to and watched when I was a young boy. It shows how classy he is to reach out to me and to message me. It was something I really appreciate. It was touching really."
Fernandes, who succeeded Maguire as United's captain during the summer, is still one of their most popular players but has faced criticism since taking the armband. Ten Hag's side have made a poor start to the season, suffering six defeats in all competitions.
Micah Richards said in August: "I feel like his body language on the pitch is disturbing the rest of the team and it's just not a good look at all. It's pathetic at times."