Martin Keown defends Man United, who is under scrutiny
Martin Keown is backing Manchester United star Harry Maguire to come back while maintaining the defender is not a problem for the club.
Harry Maguire is rarely out of the news, as every media outlet is constantly on the lookout for stories about the under fire Manchester United defender. The England international has had a difficult time under Erik ten Hag, who does not hold the former club captain in high regard.
Martin Keown believes Man United fans are using Harry Maguire as a ‘scapegoat’ 👀 pic.twitter.com/Kg0z0GnqFE
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) September 9, 2023
Manchester United have not necessarily bolstered their defense this summer, with veteran Jonny Evans and on-loan left-back Sergio Reguilon being the only significant additions. If West Ham United’s offer to sign Maguire had been approved, they might have acquired a new central defender.
Maguire had no desire to leave his lucrative contract with Manchester United after the transfer to the Hammers fell through. Ten Hag has not selected the England international from the outset despite Raphael Varane’s injury. This is not to say that he is not prepared to compete for a starting position.
Against Arsenal, Maguire received additional criticism after coming off the substitute to replace Lisandro Martinez. When Arsenal scored a late victor, the England star was on the field with Evans directing Manchester United’s defense.
Gareth Southgate’s selection of Harry Maguire to the England team drew additional criticism during the past week. Some commentators argued that the under-fire Manchester United star should not play for the national team ahead of other deserving players performing well for their clubs.
Now, former Arsenal hero Martin Keown has come to Maguire’s defense, claiming the problems at Manchester United have nothing to do with the center-back. He also insisted that the defender was the scapegoat.
The remarks of Keown may contain an element of truth. Returning to the beginning of the previous season, when Maguire was subjected to severe criticism following Manchester United’s dismal start to the year. Since then, the England star has rarely started under Ten Hag, but the results against big teams have yet to improve massively.
Even this season, they have yet to begin with authority and have already lost twice to Tottenham and Arsenal from north London. Therefore, Ten Hag should consider giving Maguire an opportunity to flourish in the team rather than Varane and hope for a change in luck.
Martin Keown defends Man United, who is under scrutiny