‘I’m not going to leave’… Jamie O’Hara hails Manchester United star’s ‘character’ after criticism

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Regardless of your thoughts on Harry Maguire, it can’t be argued that the treatment of the Manchester United defender has now gone over the top.

When you play in the Manchester United spotlight, you are going to need a thick skin because criticism will come from all sorts of angles.

On many occasions, what was coming Harry Maguire’s way was deserved, but it has seemingly gone over the top in recent times, only for the player to remain quiet and now answer his critics on the field of play.

Jamie O’Hara lauded the 30-year-old for showcasing ‘character’ by not leaving and forcing his way back into Manchester United’s XI, as he told Stadium Astro.

The £190k-a-week centre-back started Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Champions League rivals Aston Villa on Sunday and won the Man of the Match award.

Look, that massive price tag that was paid to Leicester City for his services hasn’t gone to plan, but it does seem as though he has been singled out and mocked for a lot more than he should be.

Erik ten Hag was right to take the captain’s armband off him in the summer, but as Jamie O’Hara alluded to, he is reacting to all of it in a very positive fashion.

Harry Maguire at Manchester United

“You talk about Harry Maguire and say ‘I am off’ (because nearly everyone, including the left-back, has been playing in front of him),” said O’Hara. 

“But Harry Maguire is now back playing for Man United week in and week out, because he has shown character and turned around and said ‘actually, no I am not going to leave. I am going to stay here and fight for his place’.”

Harry Maguire for the rest of the season

With Lisandro Martinez facing another big injury, it means more game time and starts for Maguire.

This is where he can prove his worth even further and guide the club to a top-four finish because they opened that door following that win over Villa.

Six points separate Manchester United in sixth and Spurs in fourth. All three teams have to play the current top three again, so that will have a big say.

But so will the meeting between Aston Villa and Tottenham at Villa Park next month. That will be another chance for Man United to close the gap, but until then, they have to continue racking up the points.