Steve Bruce hails Manchester United defender for silencing critics

Former Manchester United captain Steve Bruce was full of praise for Harry Maguire in a recent interview on talkSPORT. The footballer-turned-manager credited the centre-back for bouncing back under Erik ten Hag.

If you asked me a year ago whether I thought Harry Maguire would be playing in FA Cup quarter-finals for United against Liverpool, I would have told you there was little chance of that happening.

Maguire played the final 50 minutes in United’s 4-3 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday. The England international dominated at both ends of the pitch and his value to the squad this season shouldn’t be underestimated.

“I felt it had been a little bit harsh the treatment he has had. I thought he had been made a little bit of a scapegoat,” said Steve Bruce, who would have been proud of the way Maguire slammed the door on Liverpool’s attack on Sunday, via United in Focus.

“I’m always going to defend him because I know him well. I know him personally. And the kid wants to do well. He is resilient to see it through which you need at the level he is playing.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he is playing for England at the Euros because Gareth (Southgate) trusts him. And have we got anybody better?”

Bruce makes a good point about Maguire being one of England’s best defenders. That remains the case in my eyes, even if he’s not playing every week for United. It’s up to him if he wants to leave in search of regular football.

Nobody is keeping him against his will.

Subscribe to the Stretty News podcast Strettycast for weekly episodes on Manchester United. You can also sign up to the ad-free Stretty Newsletter. Get the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.