Harry Maguire: Sam Allardyce makes bold claim on Man United star | OneFootball

Harry Maguire has gone through tremendous scrutiny since joining Manchester United, but it is a testament to his abilities that he recently earned a renewal at Old Trafford. The English defender, who has faced online ridicule for years after becoming the world’s costliest defender, has been indispensable for the Red Devils this season, especially under caretaker manager Michael Carrick.

Maguire has registered 20 appearances in all competitions this season, including 15 starts, and has contributed two goals and one assist.

Harry Maguire Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

Maguire was always under the limelight due to his hefty transfer fee and was often made the scrapegoat at United. He was handed the armband by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but it was taken away by Erik ten Hag in the summer of 2023, further making him a subject of ridicule.

The Englishman was also linked with an exit from the Theatre of Dreams that summer amid interest from West Ham United, but he refused to give up, and worked hard to force his way into the team. Former Hammers manager Sam Allardyce has now paid tribute to the 33 year old for his professionalism.

Allardyce hails Maguire’s professionalism

Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Allardyce praised Maguire’s conduct during a tough phase in his career. He said: “Well, he’s the most patient man in football, the way he’s been treated, and I think that going from the England captain to being almost destroyed by the manager at Man United, and no matter what he did or what he tried to do, Man United weren’t great at centre-half at the time.”

“I wouldn’t say the centre-halves they chose were so much better than Harry Maguire. And that put his England place under threat.”

“And then it took its toll on him. It took him a long, long time. Kept his mouth shut, didn’t come out and criticise, didn’t come out and say, I’m off. You know, you’re in a position, you know, Ronaldo did it as soon as he wanted to leave.”

Cristiano Ronaldo had a fallout with Ten Hag during his second stint at Old Trafford. He subsequently criticised the club and the Dutch manager in a controversial interview with Piers Morgan, which forced United to terminate his contract.

Maguire’s love for United

Maguire has registered 266 appearances for United to date, chipping in with 17 goals and nine assists. Amad Diallo recently revealed that the Englishman is a big presence in the dressing room and regularly helps young players.

Allardyce went on to argue that Maguire’s love for the Red Devils prompted him to stay and endure all the harassment, adding: “Went viral like many players do. You know, not turning up and that. So never any of that. And of course, his love for Man United in the end, he must have loved the club that much to stay and put up with that. He’s now been rewarded as soon as Carrick goes back saying, why are you not playing?”

A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person stated that Maguire turned down a lucrative deal to join MLS side Inter Miami and play with Lionel Messi, in favour of an Old Trafford stay.

Final Thoughts

Maguire’s ability to withstand tremendous online criticism, yet maintain his dignity and focus should be a good example for every emerging player at United. The Englishman could also take on a mentorship role for youngsters like Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, so the Red Devils’ decision to extend his stay was a correct one.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social