Maguire Feels Vindicated For Refusing To Leave Man Utd

Maguire endured a tough summer when he was stripped off the Manchester United captaincy and was seemingly on his way out when a deal was agreed with West Ham United for his transfer.

But the former Hull City defender was determined to fight for his place at Old Trafford and is now back in the good books of manager Erik Ten Hag, starting each of the last eight games.

Asked it feels like personal vindication for staying at United, Maguire said: “Of course.

“I played a few games last year, 16 or 17 starts, and I felt like I performed really well in the games I played in. I just didn’t play as many as I would have liked.

“On the other hand, Rapha (Varane) and Licha (Lisandro Martinez) were playing brilliantly and kept numerous clean sheets. I had to bide my time and be patient.

“I had two or three opportunities last season to get a run of games but I broke down with illness, I broke down with injuries twice, so I never got the rhythm and never got the run of games that I could prove myself to the manager.

“I have got that now, I am really enjoying my football and I really enjoy playing for this club.

“I was willing to stay and fight for my place and we have four, five top international centre-backs at this club and the competition for places is really high.”