Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has warned club captain Harry Maguire of his position in the Old Trafford squad.
Evra has also asked the fans to support the 29-year-old while he remains in the starting lineup.
The 1-0 victory over West Ham United marked the first Premier League start for the United defender in a long-time. Additionally, the defender performed admirably against the Hammers. Evra, who spent eight years with the Red Devils during his playing career, expressed his optimism towards Maguire’s potential. The former left-back, though, feels that the 29-year-old has one final opportunity to establish himself.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Evra said:
“If he fails this opportunity I think he will have to leave the club. Now, if you are a true United fan, I’m begging you to give the man a chance and support him. I know he can do it and he’s going to have the full support of the manager and the players. It (his time) will come and when it does he needs to show us the player he is.”
In recent weeks, Maguire is no longer at the centre of Erik ten Hag’s ambitions. Alongside Lisandro Martinez, the England international began the first two games of the current season.
Unfortunately, the Red Devils looked shaky and lost to Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion with Maguire and the Argentine in the backline. The 29-year-old has dropped down the pecking order since the 4-0 defeat against Brentford. The Dutch manager’s favoured pairing this season has been Raphael Varane and Martinez. And the Old Trafford team’s defence has been strong thanks to the defensive duo.
Maguire was part of the Europa League squad and got his opportunity to play in that competition. Unfortunately, the centre-back suffered yet another setback due to an injury that occurred during the international break.
Raphael Varane’s injury provided the England international with the opportunity to join the starting line-up for the coming weeks. Additionally Victor Lindelof’s absence will boost his chances even further.
