HARRY MAGUIRE has claimed he “can’t remember losing a game for Manchester United” and has nothing to prove at the top level.
The 30-year-old Red Devils and England defender has struggled to nail down a regular place for his club this season – starting just 12 games in all competitions under Erik ten Hag.
The Old Trafford boss has favoured the pairing of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez at centre-back, and even played Luke Shaw ahead of Maguire in the heart of defence.
But at international level Maguire is one of Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate’s most trusted players.
Maguire played 90 minutes in Thursday’s 2-1 win over Italy in Naples and is likely to start Sunday’s game against Ukraine at Wembley.
And Maguire has defended his club form – pointing out that United have not lost a game in which he has started since the 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad in September.
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Maguire said: “Obviously this season, I haven’t played as much as I’d like but, for my club, I feel like my form’s been good this year.
“I know people obviously look at me not playing but when I’ve played, I think in my last eight or nine starts for Manchester United we have won.
“I can’t remember losing a game for Manchester United, it must be the third week of the season.
“So my influence is still there. But of course I love playing for my country and in 50-odd caps I feel like I’ve never let my country down.”
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However, fans cheekily suggested that there is a reason Maguire can’t remember losing any games this season – because he hasn’t played in them.
Maguire was an unused substitute in United’s last three league defeats, and was injured for the 6-3 loss to Manchester City in September.
One wrote on social media: “Dude needs to realise he has been sitting out for majority of the season.”
A second added: “Yes more time on the bench.”
And part of another tweet said: “You won’t lose a game sat on the bench.”
However, Maguire pointed out that he started the last two games before the international break – both of which were wins against Real Betis and Fulham.
Maguire also suggested his track record for England means he has nothing to prove.
After all, he is England’s top-scoring defender of all time on seven goals, one more than Jack Charlton and John Terry.
He also has over 50 caps for his country and has played at three major tournaments, as well as captaining United for the last three years.
When asked if he feels properly appreciated, Maguire said: “For England, yes, I do.
“Obviously, last season was difficult for the club but listen, I’ve proven myself to Gareth, who works with a wide range of centre-backs.
“He has the choice of all the English centre-backs in the country and every time I’m available, I’ve been in the team. I’m sure if you ask the rest of the lads they know what I bring to the team.
“I feel like I’m nearly 30 years old but I shouldn’t really need to prove myself at this level. I’ve made over 50 caps I’m England’s, top scoring defender.
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“I’ve played nearly 200 times for Manchester United, I’ve captained the club for three years now but I do also understand that when you are the captain of Manchester United you do come under the most amount of scrutiny.
“Last season at club level, my performance was weren’t good enough, alongside everybody else at club level, not just myself.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
