Harry Maguire believes his experience can help Manchester United's young players "feel comfortable" around the first team. In the absence of Bruno Fernandes, Maguire has worn the armband during pre-season.
Leadership Role
The defender was appointed captain by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but he was stripped of the responsibility by Erik ten Hag, who named Fernandes as captain in the summer of 2023 following a tumultuous season for Maguire. West Ham wanted to sign Maguire. He stayed and fought for his place instead, which was the start of his renaissance at Old Trafford.
In April, Maguire was handed a new one-year contract, with the option of a 12-month extension. Michael Carrick believed it was crucial to retain his experience and praised his leadership qualities.
Maguire's Comments
Maguire has now opened up about his role as a leader in the United dressing room during an interview with Sportbladet.
"I am experienced and can help the young players come forward and feel comfortable, give them a journey to be proud of," he said. "Otherwise, I want to be competitive and try to play as many games as possible. I think I can help the team both on and off the pitch, and I am looking forward to the start of the season."
Positive Influence
Maguire is understood to have been a particularly positive influence on youngster Shea Lacey since his breakthrough into the senior set-up. Lacey has been a star of pre-season so far, having scored against Rosenborg and won a penalty against Atletico Madrid last weekend.
"We are really looking forward to it," said Maguire of United's games in Sweden. "This pre-season, we have some fantastic matches. Both Atletico Madrid and PSG are big matches. This season, we will face the best teams in the Champions League. So facing some of them in pre-season – and hopefully putting in a great game and a good performance – is important for us."
Mason Mount added during the joint interview: "It's about developing with every game we play and getting better technically. The physical part will come with time, and the amount of training we put in will continue to pay off."
Pre-Season Schedule
United won 2-1 against Atletico in Stockholm, and the Reds will play against PSG in Gothenburg on Saturday. United have flown back to Manchester after each of their pre-season games so far. Club chiefs believed a solid block of training at Carrington between games, with an overnight stay in the host city before a match, was the best choice for pre-season.
