Harry Maguire is making the most of the final days of his summer holidays, before the business of impressing Erik ten Hag comes into focus.
The Manchester United defender has been enjoying his honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast in Italy after marrying his long-time partner Fern Hawkins in France last week. The ceremony was a star-studded affair with the likes of Jack Grealish and Jordan Pickford both in attendance.
Maguire described his wedding as a “day I’ll never forget” with the newlyweds now soaking up the sun before returning to Manchester. He is expected to touch down in the United Kingdom in the coming days, ahead of kicking off his pre-season at Carrington.
Players that weren’t involved in the summer’s batch of international fixtures were back at United’s HQ from the start of this week, whilst those that did play for their nations were given an extra week’s break.
Manchester Evening News reports that as many as 15 players, including the likes of Maguire, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, will begin their programmes on Monday (July 4), although some could have staggered starts.
After a fairytale few weeks for the centre-back it will be a case of adjusting to his new surroundings and working to catch the eye of Ten Hag. The Ajax boss is prepared to implement radical changes at United, with the team coming off the back of their worst ever Premier League season.
It was also arguably the poorest campaign of Maguire’s career individually. The 29-year-old came in for intense criticism for his own form, with not only his role as captain, but his position in the starting XI questioned entirely.
Maguire has been the Red Devils skipper since January 2020, but his position is now in focus, after reports suggested some of the dressing room felt Ronaldo should be given the armband.
Ten Hag has refused to disclose any information on who will lead the side next season, but was complimentary of Maguire in his opening press conference back in May. “I have to repeat, next season is a different season. I think he did a great job, he is a great player.
“He achieved already a lot. A really good contribution to Manchester United, so I am looking forward to working with him.”
Reports earlier this week suggested that the new United boss was open to making Ronaldo captain, in an attempt to quash any feelings of negativity towards the new project. The 37-year-old, who has led his national side for many years, is said to be concerned with the club’s inactivity in the window and promoting him to skipper could allay those fears and reaffirm his commitment.
Maguire will be hoping for his sake that he can quickly find his top form under the new manager, having previously admitted his levels had somewhat dipped in certain encounters during the 2021/22 campaign.
“This season I've had some bad games, but I wouldn't be playing every game for Manchester United in the starting XI if I'd been playing bad every game,” he said in the final weeks of the season. “There's a reason why both managers have put me in the starting 11 every game.
“It's what I bring to the team, what I bring to the starting 11 , but I do also understand that I'm the captain of this club, I cost a lot of money and when things aren't going well and we're conceding too many goals, I'm going to get criticised.”
