Harry Maguire Struggles Demons Israel today

The Mykonos holiday that ended with a 21-month suspended sentence • Lack of trust in his fellow defenders, which led to a lack of coordination and 12 mandatory goals in four games • and deteriorating leadership skills • This is how Harry Maguire, the most valuable stopper in history, became the object of ridicule

• Maguire is sent off against Denmark in the England national team uniform.

  "He's laughing at everyone"

  Photography: 

  IP

For football-loving gamers, the transition period between summer and autumn is especially exciting.

Not because the leagues are gaining momentum or the Champions League is starting, but because the new version of the FIFA computer game is being released. About two weeks ago, after FIFA 2021 hit stores, an English blogger noticed that Arsenal's back-back Thomas Party holds a much higher score As a brake than Harry Maguire - the most expensive brake in history.

For rival fans this is another reason to mock the Red Devils, but for United fans this is an illustration of their team's biggest problem.

In the summer of 2019 United believed they had found a defensive stronghold for a decade.

The great years in Leicester, the wonderful performance at the World Cup in Russia, the sturdy appearance and leadership ability made Maguire the first name in the book by Ola Gunnar Solskjaer.

Indeed, in 55 appearances for the club, he helped United maintain a clean sheet 27 times, became captain after six months at the club and helped run for third place.

It seemed that after years the Red Devils had finally found the piece of the puzzle they were looking for.

But then came a little vacation in Mykonos.

Maguire quarreled with police, stood trial, was found guilty of aggravated assault and was sentenced to 21 months probation in Greece. 

United and the player have been trying to broadcast business as usual, but apparently something has been going on at the brake since last August.

In the first three rounds of the season, the Red Devils conceded 11 goals, while the 27-year-old brakeman looked confused, weak and lacking in concentration.

Also, the captain seems to suffer from a lack of trust in his teammates, which causes a lack of coordination and affects the entire back squad. 

Maguire (right) in a typical pose this season // Photo: EPI

Maguire's leadership skills were also undermined.

After the dismissal of Anthony Martial in the disgraceful loss to Tottenham (6: 1), the captain had no discussion with the referee in an attempt to persuade him to reverse his decision or go to VAR.

Bruno Fernandez still tried to do so, but in vain.

"Solskjaer has lost the locker room," former player Patrice Evra stated, explaining: "Getting the captain's armband is mostly based on seniority. If Maguire gets the armband after less than a year it means there are no leaders at the club, because Harry probably isn't."

Another burden that sits on Maguire's shoulders is the inevitable comparison to Virgil Van Dyke.

While the Dutchman changed the face of Liverpool, marched them to the championship after 30 years and became one of the best brakes in the world, Maguire is still in the proof stage and the fact that he cost more (£ 80 million), even if it is only £ 5 million more, puts more weight on him . 

The environment, if you ask, does not make life easier.

"I think he goes home every day and tells his wife 'I'm so bad and earn so much, they really believe I'm good,' said Rafael van der Wart, a retired Dutch midfielder, 'he laughs at everyone.'

When it looked like Maguire would be able to clear his head during the national team break, the pit only grew.

Last Wednesday he opened with a loss to Denmark and was sent off after absorbing two yellows in 31 minutes.

Despite the harsh criticism of the credit he gave to the brakeman, England coach Gareth Southgate came out in his defense: "He is big enough to handle the situation and he will be stronger later on. He has our full support and I know his club is behaving like us."

Indeed, three days passed and Maguire won 1: 4 over Newcastle, which brought some color back to his and his teammates' cheeks after the catastrophic start to the season.

Despite this, when he remained in England on Tuesday and did not participate in the victory over Paris, many United fans claimed that the victory came due to his absence. 

On Saturday, Maguire is waiting for Chelsea's talented attack. Although the Blues also have quite a few problems, but at least offensively they deliver the goods. If United suffer another defeat, Maguire will continue to be in focus. If not, it will be a good opportunity for him to start improving. The score for next summer.