Manchester United legend Steve Bruce has suggested Erik ten Hag has made a mistake with his treatment of Harry Maguire. The former Red Devils defender insists Maguire has never let his side down and would start for most Premier League teams.
United boss Ten Hag has settled on a preferred centre-back pairing of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez since the early stages of last season. Maguire was banished from the starting XI despite still holding the club captaincy at Old Trafford.
He fell further down the pecking order under Ten Hag, with Victor Lindelof and even Luke Shaw preferred at times in the centre of defence. Maguire has continued to be selected by Gareth Southgate at international level, which has led to criticism of both the England manager and the player.
He is often ridiculed by opposition fans in stadiums when he does play for club or country, most notably during England’s 3-1 friendly win over Scotland earlier this month. Maguire started United’s Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace on Tuesday, where Bruce was working as a pundit.
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Bruce hit back at the criticism Maguire has faced. And with United having a difficult start to the season both domestically and in Europe, he suggested that the 30-year-old has not been used enough by Ten Hag.
Bruce said on Sky Sports: “It’s good to see him on the pitch as he hasn’t started, he has only really started for England and played very well. It’s a really difficult situation for him because this criticism is coming from where?
“I can’t see it really from the stands, not sure where it escalates apart from maybe social media. This is a great opportunity and let’s not forget he is a very good player who would probably walk into many Premier League teams.”
Bruce spent nine years as a player at United, winning three Premier League titles. He does not think the flak Maguire has faced originated from the club’s supporters.
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He said: “It’s very rare fans here get on top of anybody’s back, they never single out an individual. Very, very rarely have I witnessed it.
“I don’t think [criticism] it generates from stadium, maybe outside stuff and maybe social media is the key to it all. He [Maguire] has never let anybody down, I don’t think he has let Man United down.
“Of course he has made a few mistakes and the odd own goal. He has made mistakes, he is a centre-back but over the years has proved to be a very good player.”
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