Manchester United will be looking to break into the Premier League top four on Sunday when they face Newcastle at Old Trafford.
27.09.2022 - 12:37 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Manchester United have been told they have a vital role to play in steering Harry Maguire back to calmer waters after being subject to more heavy criticism while on England duty.
Having started the first two Premier League games this season - when United were soundly beaten - Maguire has since been dropped by Erik ten Hag with Raphael Varane and summer signing Lisandro Martinez now preferred as first choice at centre-back. Despite that, Maguire was trusted to start for England against Italy and Germany in two Nations League matches during the international break.
Italy sentenced Maguire and his teammates to relegation on Friday night as they ran out 1-0 winners. It prompted backlash for the collective - including Maguire - who was then at fault for the Germany opener at Wembley on Monday night.
READ MORE: Ronaldo has sent wake-up call
On this occasion, giving away a penalty did not cost England overall, as that conversion from Ilkay Gundogan was followed by five more goals in a thriller beneath the famous arch. It finished 3-3 in what was their last game before England's impending World Cup finals in Qatar.
So what can United do to bolster England's chances in that unique winter showcase?
Speaking about Maguire while on Channel 4 punditry duties, former England playmaker Joe Cole said: "I think the next six weeks are a really important time in Harry Maguire's career, because we know he's a quality player. We've seen him do it for England and he's been incredible for England over the years.
"He's obviously in a low point in his career. Every day over these six weeks is an opportunity to build his confidence up and the people around him and everything and perform. But one thing we must never forget on the big stage at
Manchester United will be looking to break into the Premier League top four on Sunday when they face Newcastle at Old Trafford.
Owen Hargreaves says four players currently have their positions nailed down in the Manchester United team.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has impressed Gary Neville after overseeing a positive response to the team's crushing loss in the Manchester derby at the beginning of the month.
Manchester United could shuffle their pack for Thursday's Europa League clash with Omonia Nicosia.
Anthony Martial could return for Manchester United against Newcastle on Sunday but has been ruled out of their Europa League return tie with Omonia Nicosia.
Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has missed the last three games with an injury he picked up while away on England duty last month. However, reports from ESPN suggest the £80million defender is confident about being able to prove his fitness before Gareth Southgate names his World Cup squad.
In his 200 games for Manchester United, Victor Lindelof has played at centre-back with eight different partners, but in a period of turmoil and turnover in that position he has been the great survivor.
Manchester United's training squad ahead of their return to Europa League action does not include Raphael Varane.
Jamie Carragher has urged critics to tone down their Harry Maguire stance — even though he says the Manchester United captain is not best-placed to start at the World Cup for England.
Former Manchester United attacker Paul Ince has suggested that people are making defender Harry Maguire a 'scapegoat' and backed the England international to come through his current difficult period.
Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial could return for Manchester United against City on Sunday.
Manchester United could be without Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial for this weekend's derby at City.
When Manchester United lost 4-1 to Manchester City in the derby in March of this year, it felt like the club had completely hit rock bottom.
Gareth Southgate has urged Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag to give Harry Maguire more game time ahead of England's World Cup campaign. The defender started for the Three Lions in their 3-3 draw with Germany and was heavily criticised for giving away a penalty early in the second half.
Gary Neville has admitted he was silent about the Glazers when he was a Manchester United player due to being a club employee.
Gary Neville issued a stern defence of Harry Maguire ahead of England’s 3-3 Nations League draw with Germany on Monday night.
Manchester United's Harry Maguire was pictured limping with an injury after England played Germany in the Nations League.
Luke Shaw says he has “accepted” why he has been dropped by Erik ten Hag and has vowed to be ready when called upon.
Rio Ferdinand says he sympathises with Harry Maguire following a below-par performance for England in their 3-3 Nations League draw with Germany on Monday evening.
Christian Eriksen has made an encouraging start to life at Manchester United.