Any chance of a comeback at Manchester United was shut down this season when Ruben Amorim sidelined five players, but Rio Ferdinand has still noticed one who managed to turn things around.
The Red Devils have experienced a turbulent period, leading to significant changes in many players’ roles over the past year.
Alejandro Garnacho, once a regular starter, has completely lost his place in the team. Conversely, Tyler Fredricson has emerged unexpectedly and begun to make a significant impact.
Through it all, one player has managed a turnaround despite facing several setbacks in his career at Old Trafford. Rio Ferdinand spoke about that resurgence.
Rio Ferdinand backs Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire has come close to leaving Manchester United more than once, but each time he has managed to work his way back into the picture and become a key figure again.
When Ruben Amorim first took over, there did not seem to be an obvious role for him, especially given his struggles defending in a high line.
By the end of last season though, he was back as the main option in central defence and even filled in up front on occasion when needed.
Now, with Matthijs de Ligt ahead of him in the pecking order, it would be unwise to count him out completely. It is that persistence that Rio Ferdinand really admires about him.
On his YouTube channel, Ferdinand noted how Maguire has looked finished at times during his United career, but always seems to find a way back.
He said: “[Maguire is] someone who’s actually risen from the dead. He has shown great character. He was down and out, but he has bounced back. To show that character and resilience [is commendable].”
Why this season will shape the final chapter of Maguire’s Man Utd story
This is a pivotal season for Maguire at Manchester United, and not just because the club is always under pressure to deliver. The situation surrounding him adds extra weight to what comes next.
The British centre-back, who will be 33 by next summer, is now in the final year of his significant contract after the club exercised their option.
The club triggered that clause mainly to keep some experience around while they focused on other areas of the squad. But heading into next season, that will not be as much of a factor.
Maguire has always conducted himself like a professional, but it is hard to justify paying someone near £200k/week at his age without clear value on the pitch.
He will need to show this season that he can still perform at a high level as he gets older. Even then, any new deal would likely require him to accept reduced terms – if one is even offered.
Regardless of how it ends, Maguire can already be considered a success story at Man Utd. If he does leave next summer, it will be on good terms and with real appreciation from supporters.
The days when he felt isolated or faced harsh criticism are well behind him now. He has earned respect both inside and outside the dressing room through persistence and consistency in recent years.
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