Harry Maguire says his Man United lows would have broken other players as he eyes England World Cup spot

Harry Maguire has offered a candid assessment of the immense pressure at Manchester United, suggesting the challenges he has faced would have "broken" many other players. The defender, who signed a new one-year deal with an option for a further season earlier this week, believes some teammates found the spotlight too intense to handle. Maguire's United career began in 2019, arriving from Leicester for a then world-record £80million fee for a defender.

Despite making 266 appearances and securing FA Cup and Carabao Cup victories, his tenure has seen significant highs and lows . Appointed captain by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2020, his form dipped as the Norwegian's reign concluded, leading to him losing his place under Erik ten Hag and the armband to Bruno Fernandes. He appeared poised for a West Ham move in summer 2023.

Maguire credits a "laid-back attitude" and a refusal to engage with "outside noise" for his ability to navigate these hurdles and re-establish himself as a key figure. He noted the departure of numerous high-profile signings who failed to deliver. Harry Maguire said he has seen many players who are unable to hand the scrutiny that comes with playing for Manchester United (PA) "I see a lot of players come into this club and quite frankly it’s just too big for them," Maguire stated.

"The eyes on you, the scrutiny, the analysis. Every goal that goes in, it’s someone’s fault. There’s going to be ex-players speaking about it.