Harry Maguire must achieve what he failed to do in 2021 to regain Man Utd place

It might be getting dark earlier and a whole lot colder but there is a real sense of deja vu from 18 months ago. England have just ended a major tournament with the stinging regret of what could have been.

The Three Lions stopped short of bettering their runners-up finish in Euro 2020 (played in 2020, remember) as they were beaten by France in the quarter-finals but regardless it still felt like a degree of progress was made. Anguish with a sense of pride rather than the fury which was felt for the 20 years before Gareth Southgate took charge.

And just like in the European Championships, Harry Maguire has once again shown he remains a quality defender despite his constant struggles for Manchester United. The captain was named in the Euros Team of the Tournament but his form nosedived once the new season commenced.

The centre-back has often cut a forlorn figure as another mishap cost his team dearly. A lack of options meant he remained in the side for most of the last campaign but that hasn't been the case this time around. Erik ten Hag made a point of upgrading his defensive options in the summer and brought in Lisandro Martinez, who has been a revelation of aggression and quality distribution at the back.

As a result, Maguire finally lost his spot. He started the opening two Premier League fixtures and was disastrous in the humiliating defeats to Brighton and Brentford. The No.5 has started just once in the league since and has otherwise been reduced to appearances in the Carabao Cup and Europa League. Even Victor Lindelof has overtaken him in the pecking order meaning he is fourth choice behind the Swede as well as Martinez and Raphael Varane.

Ahead of the World Cup, it looked for the first time as though Maguire's club form may seep into his international performances as he foolishly gave away a penalty in the final game before the tournament against Germany. Southgate didn't waiver though and backed the player who has performed so heroically for him in the past.

It proved to be an excellent decision as in Qatar, Maguire once again rediscovered the ability that made him an £80million defender. He was imperious in the air, dominant in the tackle and impactful with his marauding forays up the field. So much so that he may too be feeling deja vu.

Hopes were high following his displays at the Euros that Maguire could return to Old Trafford with renewed confidence and duplicate that level of performance for his club. It didn't come to pass, but now he has a chance to make amends.

Perhaps the unique timing of this year's tournament will play into Maguire's hands. That remarkable final was only three ago but United return to action this evening in the Carabao Cup against Burnley. With Martinez and Varane having been involved in the final, neither will be available for the match.

Maguire is near certain to start as a result and, with any luck, the lack of time off after his great international displays will mean this time he can seamlessly pick up where he left off and reach the same quality for United. He needs to this time around.

Last year his place in the starting XI was fairly secured regardless of his performances but it isn't the case now. Maguire has never been so out in the cold and if he doesn't take his chance this time to play as well as he has proven he can then he may never get another chance to do so.