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Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has insisted that Manchester United must make a clear decision on Harry Maguire’s future as he approaches free agency.
Maguire uncertainty
Currently in the final six months of his United contract, Maguire is set to leave the club for free unless new terms can be agreed.
He has been in good form all season and has only stepped up a level since the arrival of Michael Carrick as interim head coach. Maguire has formed a formidable defensive partnership with Lisandro Martinez and has helped United to four consecutive wins against Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur.
Maguire’s air power at both ends of the pitch has been invaluable and Hargreaves also believes the club cannot afford to lose his leadership by letting him walk away.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening NewsHargreaves commented: “From a leadership point of view, if you want to defend your box like they did in the first two games, which you have to do as teams have gone more old school, then Harry is one of the best at that.”
“He has a partner in Martinez who can play. All the big Premier League teams started with a central defender: United with Bruce and Pallister, Vidic and Ferdinand; Chelsea with Terry and Carvalho; Arsenal with Adams and Liverpool too. Now look at Arsenal with Gabriel and Saliba.”
“It’s all been built around that. Since they went to the back four it’s been perfect. One of the biggest mistakes United made when things started to go wrong in the transfer market was losing leadership.”
He added: “They have lost so many leaders in a few years: Van der Sar, Gary Neville, Rio, Vidic, Evra, Scholes, Giggs, Rooney, Ronaldo. You can sign players all you want, but they have lost their leadership.”
“You only really know players when things are difficult. Apart from Bruno, they didn’t have enough leaders. With Harry’s leadership and everything he has been through, he can guide younger players. I hope he stays. Thanks to him for the way he has developed and continued to play well.”
Hargreaves delivers the Carrick verdict
Carrick has had a fairytale start to life as United’s interim boss, but doubts remain over whether he should be considered for the job permanently.
United legends Gary Neville and Roy Keane have argued that United should not give him the job regardless of what he achieves between now and the end of the season.
Michael Owen denied these claims and his sentiments were echoed by Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand.
Hargreaves told MEN that Carrick is proving he can handle the pressure, making him impossible to ignore in United’s decision-making process.
“I don’t understand how you couldn’t give it to him. What would have been the point of working so hard? You can bring in top managers, but that doesn’t guarantee success. What Michael is doing is very impressive. The fans are happy, and that’s important. The players are happy and that’s important, but the most important thing is that the team wins.”
“United have had big name managers on the bench. They had two of the best of the last decade, alongside Pep and Ancelotti: Van Gaal and Mourinho. A big name brings more expectations.”
Hargreaves continued: “I’ve known Michael for 24 years. I’ve played with him for 21 years. He’s not a ‘me’ guy. He’ll ask, ‘What’s the solution? How can I get him to play better?’ He is good with people. He will put players in positions to succeed. He has Bruno, the best creator in the division. Kobbie is back on the team.”
“Casemiro plays as the six. Everyone is in a good place. The back four are super good. Each player plays a different role than before. Wing backs are wing backs. Central defenders went from a three to a two. Midfield two is now a three. Dozens play wide or as a striker.”
“Even Bryan Mbeumo has played on the right or as a 10. To change so many players without preparation and still keep the team functioning – I don’t understand how you could not give him the job.”
“You know what it’s like when it’s not good and when everyone is happy, and you’re winning. Why stop doing that just to get a name? If you could get Luis Enrique, of course. But the only thing going against Carrick is experience. The most important thing is that the team is functioning, and it’s functioning well.”
The 45-year-old pointed out that the likes of Pep Guardiola and Zinedine Zidane were all given the opportunity to manage big clubs despite initially having no experience. He insisted that Carrick could be as successful as the duo.
Hargreaves praised Carrick’s talent for finding winning formulas, which have worked perfectly in the games he has officiated. He also highlighted Carrick’s tactical adaptability, explaining how he continually adapts his formation to exploit the opposition’s weaknesses.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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