Manchester United skipper, Harry Maguire, missed the Europa League final with injury. Now, he’s fit and ready to go.
Perhaps missing our on-field leader was the reason why we lost to Villareal in Gdansk a few weeks ago. Everyone thought that Harr Maguire would be fit shortly after, though the injury must’ve been far worse than we all assumed.
Maguire would then miss England’s European Championship opener against Croatia, though, to his credit, Tyrone Mings would deputise well.
Now, the United star has stated he’s ready to play, though Maguire also accepts he’ll have a ‘niggling’ issue for weeks, if not months.
Check out what the United captain had to say here:
“I’ve done a few sessions now and feel like my fitness is there, so I’m available for the game.” Maguire told reporters, including the BBC.
“I’m sure it will niggle me for a few weeks and months. I haven’t had one before, but from speaking to players and physios, I’m sure it will be niggling,” he added.
“But as long as it’s stable and the pain is bearable, then I’m sure I’ll be fine.
“I was in every day seeing the physios and the manager Ole has been great with me. He wouldn’t hold me back if he thought I was fit for the first, second or third group game.
“He said: ‘Go and enjoy it, make sure it’s right, obviously.’ We have been in constant contact and the club have been brilliant with me.”
It goes without saying, Maguire is just as important for his country as he is for club. He’s the best centre-back for the Three Lions, while Gareth Southgate is absolutely going to need him for the latter stages of the tournament.
I will admit, I am concerned if Maguire is planning on playing with an injury that’s going to bother him for the foreseeable future. In any other year, Maguire would be able to take the summer off, fully rest up and come back to United at 100%.
This summer, that will not happen and Maguire will be limping into the season with some sort of ankle issue. In a campaign where games are obviously going to come thick and fast, that’s the last thing United need.
I understand Maguire’s desire to play his part at EURO 2020, though sometimes, United have to stand firm and just say when enough is enough.
Perhaps the Reds’ #5 shouldn’t have even been selected by Southgate, though I do accept he’s a tough lad and he will play through the pain barrier….
Hopefully, Maguire isn’t thrown straight into the deep end against Scotland today and he’s given an extra week off before taking on the Czech Republic next week.
Who would you sign to partner Harry Maguire at the back? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
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