Harry Maguire's missing the start of Man Utd's pre-season tour. 'Personal reasons', they say. Right. Let's be honest, the 'personal reasons' could be anything from a family holiday to simply needing a breather from the constant scrutiny. But the timing, lads, the timing *reeks* of something else.
Here's the thing: expectations were stratospheric when United shelled out that world-record fee for a defender. I mean, astronomical. He was supposed to be the bedrock, the leader, the Van Dijk of Old Trafford. Remember the comparisons? Shudder.
Reality? Well, it's been… rocky. To put it mildly. Some decent spells, sure. But also, some absolute clangers. High-profile errors that cost United points. And let's not forget the constant chatter about his lack of pace, his questionable positioning… it all adds up. He wears the armband, but does he command the respect?
Look, I'm not saying he's a *bad* player. He's not. He's a decent Premier League defender. But is he a world-beater? Is he worth £80 million? Sources say the new gaffer’s been less than impressed with his attitude, especially considering he's been riding the bench more often than not. And you know what they say about a manager's patience… it's thinner than a Wagamama noodle.
This pre-season trip? It was a chance for him to prove himself, to win back his place, to silence the critics. Now? He's handing ammunition to the doubters on a silver platter.
Remember Jaap Stam? Dominant. Imposing. Then, out the door, seemingly for 'reasons'. Sir Alex saw something he didn't like, and *bam*, gone. No sentimentality. Could this be a similar situation brewing? A shifting of the guard, a ruthless assessment of whether Maguire truly fits into Ten Hag's long-term vision?
It's all speculation, of course. 'Personal reasons' could be just that. But in football, especially at a club like Manchester United, timing is everything. And this timing… it's screaming louder than Roy Keane after a missed tackle.
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