“Long may that continue” – Rio Ferdinand feels Manchester United star is finally back to looking like himself during win at Sheffield United
Rio Ferdinand has backed Harry Maguire to continue doing well at Manchester United after impressing against Sheffield United on Saturday, October 21. He claims that the Englishman is finally bringing his national team form to the club and is getting back to his best.
Ferdinand said he was delighted to see Maguire doing well after Erik ten Hag was forced to add the center-back to his starting XI. The injury crisis has left the Dutch manager short-staffed, and the former Leicester City star has made the most of it. He also won the Player of the Match award in United's 2-1 win over Sheffield.
On his Vibe with FIVE podcast, Ferdinand said:
"Even though his win record was good when his gametime was limited, there were moments in those appearances where you would go 'wow he is off it'. Silly fouls, or out of position or cumbersome play etc where regardless of the result you would say he looked off the pace. The last game he looked like himself from England shirt so long may that continue."
Harry Maguire was linked with a Manchester United exit this summer, with West Ham United leading the chase. However, the move fell through and the Englishman stayed put at Old Trafford.
Harry Maguire defends his position at Manchester United
Harry Maguire has defended his position at Manchester United and said that he is not the problem at the back for Erik ten Hag's side. He said that the stats were in his favor the win percentage when he started for the club was high, and he is happy with his performances.
Speaking to the media earlier this month while he was away with the national side, the defender said:
"It's not my decision to whether I start the next game or not. I'm unsure on that. I'm sure in a couple of weeks I'll go back and find out. If you look back on my last 15-20 starts for club and country, I would be happy to sit here and say I'm really happy with my performances."
He added:
"My record under this manager speaks for itself. I haven't started as many games as I like, but my win percentage when I've played is ridiculously high."
He added that there are chances of him leaving the club when the window opens. However, he wants to remain focused on his job and added:
"Of course there are times when I could do more and times when I could improve and help the team. But I'm just wanting to help the team, I'm wanting to help the team get out of this position we're in at the moment. Hopefully we can do that in the coming weeks."
Manchester United edged past Sheffield United this week and have a big test coming up. They will face Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League
They are up against city rivals Manchester City this weekend in the Premier League before facing Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup.