Harry Maguire has enjoyed quite a resurgence since Ruben Amorim took over as Manchester United manager.
The England centre-back has thrived in Amorim’s back-three system, benefitting from the extra defensive protection and mobility of the players around him.
His improved form has led him to reject multiple offers this summer, with the 32-year-old intent on seeing out his contract at Old Trafford.
And while his place in the squad is more secure than in recent years, Maguire has offered a frank assessment of what he feels is holding United back.
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Maguire said Manchester United’s mental fortitude is not strong enough, and that it’s a key factor stopping them from returning to the top.
He stressed that the squad need to embrace the pressure of representing one of football’s biggest clubs if they are to end their 12-year wait for a Premier League title and 17-year wait for Champions League glory.
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“I think it’s mental strength, definitely.
“I think it has a big part to play,” Maguire explained.
“You’ve got to thrive off the pressure, and you’ve got to play like you’re playing in a playground.
“And I think that’s what we’ve struggled to find over the last 10 years.”
The defender reflected on the dominance of the Sir Alex Ferguson era, contrasting it with the current transitional period.
As well as also acknowledging the challenge of performing under intense scrutiny.
“There has been a transition period, obviously, when Sir Alex (Ferguson) was here and we had the best team by far. And won all the trophies.
“But the transition period is, at the moment, the reality is that we’re not the best team.
“And I think it’s how people and how the lads can adapt to that level of scrutiny and to keep going through that scrutiny.”
Maguire also noted that he has often performed better for England than for United, suggesting the extra pressure at club level is a major factor.
“There’s more scrutiny on Manchester United, just because more people in the country hate them. And that’s just a fact,” he added.
“Everyone in the Premier League dislikes United, and they don’t want to see them do well.
“So I think there is more scrutiny on United.
“Whereas England, everyone gets together. Everyone.”
