Things took a turn for the worse during the last couple of years when Maguire struggled to replicate his early form, as he kept making mistakes at regular intervals.
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It goes without saying that Harry Maguire is one of the most scrutinised players from Manchester United. The tall centre-back had a good start to life at Old Trafford and was even named captain during his early days at the club. In that period, he was ever-present in the starting line-up. However, things took a turn for the worse during the last couple of years when Maguire struggled to replicate his early form, as he kept making mistakes at regular intervals. It led to massive criticism from supporters and pundits.
Subsequently, Harry Maguire lost his place in the Starting XI under Erik ten Hag. However, he is back in the frame once again, largely owing to Manchester United’s huge injury crisis at the back. To Maguire’s credit, he has done well to make the most of his opportunities. In the last Premier League clash, Maguire produced a solid defensive display before playing a crucial role in setting up Scott McTominay’s late winner against Brentford.
Maguire has now revealed that former club legend David Beckham got in touch with him recently to offer him some advice. “I actually spoke with David about three weeks ago, after the Scotland game. He got in touch with me, so it was really nice of him and I really appreciated that. It meant everything. I’ve spoken throughout my career about David Beckham being someone I looked up to and watched when I was a young boy,” Maguire was quoted as saying in an interview covered by PA Sport.
He added: “Unfortunately, I didn’t end up on the right wing, scoring and assisting as many goals as he has! But he was a big role model when I was growing up. It shows how classy he is to reach out to me and to message me. It was something I really appreciated. It was touching really. I think when you’re going through tough moments, you’ve got to go through past experiences and past memories and where you’ve gone in your career, and what you’ve been through.”
Maguire also informed that he saw the recent documentary about David Beckham and could not believe how much the former winger went through in his career. “Every career is so up and down, especially when you reach what I’ve reached, in terms of being the captain of the biggest club in the world for three-and-a-half years. He’s been in that position and knows what it’s like. Obviously, having watched the documentary, I couldn’t believe how much he went through at the time. In the documentary, Gary Neville speaks about how resilient David is as a person. I think he’s been a huge role model for many footballers growing up, especially in my era,” he explained.
The English international also spoke about how certain things being said or written about him have an impact on his family and friends. “Obviously you can’t stay away from it [the constant attention] as your family and friends are probably seeing things. They probably read a lot more than I do. It probably affects my family and friends more than it affects myself, especially when I am playing in a game,” he explained.
He added: “I have had so many great nights and have so many great memories, playing for my country and playing for my club as well. You play football to create memories, not just for myself but for my family and my friends. Obviously, the last year has been a little bit difficult for them to enjoy the games, as they did in the previous eight or nine years of my career. I’m sure that will change. I’ll keep working hard and keep fighting for my place and keep trying to put things right.”
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