Rio Ferdinand: Why Maguire will see Tuchel’s remarks as a clear “insult”
Rio Ferdinand: Why Maguire will see Tuchel’s remarks as a clear “insult” Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes Harry Maguire would have viewed Thomas Tuchel’s recent remarks about his England role as disrespectful. Bombshell revelation Maguire earned himself a first England call-up under Tuchel with his fine performances for United since Michael Carrick’s appointment as interim head coach. The United defender justified his selection with an imperious performance during Friday’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay at Wembley.
He made two clutch blocks in the dying embers of the match as the South American nation pushed for a winner. Yet, despite seemingly playing himself into contention to be in Tuchel’s XI for the World Cup, the England boss bizarrely stated that Maguire remains at the bottom of the pecking order, well behind the likes of Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, John Stones and Trevoh Chalobah. Tuchel strongly hinted that Maguire’s path into the side could depend on injuries elsewhere.
He said, “I haven’t changed my mind (on Maguire) but I see other players I like to start for us, I see other players ahead with a different profile. I see Ezri Konsa ahead. I see Marc Guehi ahead.
It’s no secret. I see Trevoh Chalobah, on the level of mobility, was slightly ahead of him. Also John Stones, but he had injuries so he (Maguire) needed to come in camp.
I needed to meet him in person to see how he acts within the group. ” Asked if Maguire would be in his squad were he to name it tomorrow, Tuchel answered, “If I have to name it tomorrow, we have a lot of injuries, he could be in it. Who else would be there in the centre of defence?!