Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince believes Red Devils captain Harry Maguire will bounce back from his recent decline in form. The England international has been criticized by many for his lackluster performances recently in the UEFA Nations League.
Maguire featured in the England national team's 3-3 draw against Germany on Monday (September 26). The Manchester United defender made a clumsy challenge and gave away an unnecessary penalty which Ilkay Gundogan converted.
Defending his former club's captain, Ince said (via Manchester Evening News):
"I think Harry Maguire has been very good for England in the past. It’s difficult because the situation at the moment is he’s not playing for Manchester United, so he lacks that match-fit sharpness."
He added:
"I think it’s tough because people are making him a scapegoat at the moment. We had the same situation with Raheem Sterling In the Euros. Now, some fans have moved on to Maguire, but you know, it’s nice as a player. I think it’s a case of, he’s going to be a little bit down cause he is not playing United – last year he was captaining the team week in, week out."
Ince further went on to say:
"All he can do is fight, fight his way back in it. You have to fight to get your place. But one thing he does have is the confidence of Gareth, and Southgate’s always picked him, and I believe he will continue to. He should find a lot of confidence in that and now he’s got to try and fight his way back into the United team before the World Cup starts."
Manchester United are currently fifth in the Premier League table and will next face Manchester City this Sunday (October 2) at the Etihad.
Paul Ince shares further advice for Manchester United captain amid poor form
The retired England international shared some advice for Maguire on how to recover from his dip in form. Ince said:
"As a player, I think when you lose, we all lose confidence. There’s not one player that I know who’s never lost his confidence and you have to battle your way through it. You have to come out on top. You've got to be mentally tough, you can’t let it affect you because you have to move on eventually."
He added:
"But yeah it’s been a harsh period for him, I don’t like to see it. I don’t like to see our fans booing our own players, it’s not nice for him. He’s got ta try and get back in the United first team, and hopefully then go on to play for England at the World Cup."
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puybkostu
0
scapegoat? two mistakes and both led to goals. not event talking about his games at united. it's okay to defend him but at least with some sense, not just with bunch of bs.
Miockmnt
1
play Maguire against city to prove everyone is right 🤪😜😂🤣. Southgate play him and now he has nowhere to hide
Nakcdekotz
0
Ince is talking from his bottom. its so clear that Maguire has been playing crapp. don't know whether he was watching Maguire play or someone else play.
Vowcilt
0
THE real problema is ronaldo
ceuabnor
0
And stop talking about how good he was for England in the past,there is a reason you call it PAST!
ceuabnor
0
Hmmmm scapegoat for what exactly?Is it for Maguire making glaringly obvious mistakes which cost the team? I really don’t get it🤷🏾♂️
Puoablmsz
1
Maguire is a flop let accept that
Puoablmsz
0
when it come to Maguire these English pundits r trying to defend him but when it's Case and Fred they r not using dem as scape goat
ciybeist
0
This Maguire has never been good since his move to united so these English guys are just supporting one of their own.
Yehudi
2
But it was easier for English media and pundits to make Pogba a scapegoat....but when Maguire messes up in games,they make excuses for him....I feel sorry for Maguire the person but as a player he deserves every criticism he's got
Criticaldamage
0
Phil Jones might be better
Mebacoy
0
Harry Maguire Is Disturb By The Price Tag. Performance Wise Zero, For National Team And Club.
babdkoprz
1
scapegoat? I would not take him even for middle school football
Niodlmrs
0
No one is making Maguire scapegoat If he starts performing consistently then no one will make any fuss
Hansonid007
2
He facial expressions will make you know that he’s also making himself a scapegoat.
Lonabdopz
1
Expired defender