[Why Harry Maguire doesn't make sense for #MUFC anymore - THREAD]
I've tweeted in recent games on how Maguire doesn't look like a key part of this squad anymore. I'll use this thread to explain why he's dropped out of favour & why Man Utd should consider moving him on.
(1/n)
I've tweeted in recent games on how Maguire doesn't look like a key part of this squad anymore. I'll use this thread to explain why he's dropped out of favour & why Man Utd should consider moving him on.
(1/n)
![[Why Harry Maguire doesn't make sense for #MUFC anymore - THREAD]
I've tweeted in recent games on h...](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FgYKhO4UoAEK9LN.jpg)
1. Progression from RCB
Probably the biggest point for me is his discomfort at the RCB position compared to LCB. From LCB, he is able to get the angle to pass to the entire pitch (same logic as inverted attackers) & pick his spot. His switches, vertical balls, grounded
(2/n)
Probably the biggest point for me is his discomfort at the RCB position compared to LCB. From LCB, he is able to get the angle to pass to the entire pitch (same logic as inverted attackers) & pick his spot. His switches, vertical balls, grounded
(2/n)
Passes into central areas, are a lot more effective since he can see most of the pitch. Same logic for why many right-footed ball players enjoy LCB (like van Dijk). From RCB, the angles & options reduce & his discomfort with the available options is higher. Take the switch
(3/n)
(3/n)
.. for example. He's attempted a long ball to the left wing on a few occasions this season & got it wrong. Someone like Lindelof, who is overall an inferior passer, but more comfortable from that angle is able to play better switches to the left side, esp to Rashford.
(4/n)
(4/n)
Even when it comes to carrying, Maguire needs the extra space to carry in an out to in fashion. He's not a quick burst vertical carrier (imagine VL, Matip, Bailly bursts from RCB) but a more longish drive type carrier which is easier from LCB towards middle of the pitch.
(5/n)
(5/n)
Because of these reasons his progression has dropped.
Progressive passes per 90
20/21 - 3.33
21/22 - 2.97
22/23 - 1.29
It was similar for prog Carries before @fbref lost that Stat. He's just not as Progressive from RCB as was from LCB & that used to be 1 of his USPs.
(6/n)
Progressive passes per 90
20/21 - 3.33
21/22 - 2.97
22/23 - 1.29
It was similar for prog Carries before @fbref lost that Stat. He's just not as Progressive from RCB as was from LCB & that used to be 1 of his USPs.
(6/n)
2. Defending style
Maguire's defending needs nuance. He's good at proactive defending I.e. Stepping out & winning a duel or intercepting before an attacker can get the ball. Once the attacker gets the ball & has the chance to turn, Maguire is in trouble. He's not a good
(7/n)
Maguire's defending needs nuance. He's good at proactive defending I.e. Stepping out & winning a duel or intercepting before an attacker can get the ball. Once the attacker gets the ball & has the chance to turn, Maguire is in trouble. He's not a good
(7/n)
Cover or box defender. He's a typical dog type but bad as a cat. His best phase came under Ole when he was paired with a pure cat like Lindelof who is very cover oriented. They mitigated each other's weaknesses. With Varane & Lisandro, Maguire is forced into more cover
(8/n)
(8/n)
Type situations which he's poor at. Maguire won't get a run with his ideal partner given Varane & Lisandro are newer signings. Lisandro is the same dog type as Maguire but is arguably a better tackler & presser while also almost matching HM in the air so far as well.
(9/n)
(9/n)
We've seen Maguire attempt to stay back & defend transitions in 21/22 & 22/23 to adjust for his partner but he's been poor at it & isn't a natural box defender or reactive blocker like Varane is. He'll never get the pure stopper role again probably with LM in squad.
(10/n)
(10/n)
In summary of both points, Maguire's good traits of progression from LCB & stopper defending have been replaced & even upgraded on by Lisandro Martinez. And the ideal partners for HM (Varane, Lindelof or any future RCB cover CB) are also the ideal partners for Lisandro.
(11/n)
(11/n)
It makes sense to start Lisandro & play Varane/Lindelof beside LM or seek a new RCB who is an upgrade on the latter 2. In this equation, Maguire seems unrequired. He played yesterday after 2 CB injuries. That's a big drop for #MUFC & England captain & a good player.
(12/n)
(12/n)
A move to a team that can play him in his preferred LCB stopper role & help #MUFC reinvest the funds in gap areas benefits all parties. At 29, Maguire still has all the talent & time to bounce back as a top ball playing CB for a UCL team. But probably not at United anymore.
(End)
(End)
@Ankaman616 I put a few more words to the thoughts on Maguire yesterday.
Just to add, I'm a big Harry Maguire fan & still think he can be world class. If he turns it around & becomes our starting RCB beside Lisandro, I'll be the happiest. I just think it might not happen after seeing him recently & that ETH may move for a RCB (Maybe Timber) soon.
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