‘Credit to him because if not for Hi Man united would have been fighting relegation battle by now’: Gabriel Agbonlahor says one Man United player has proven so many people totally wrong
Gabriel Agbonlahor believes Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has proven people wrong recently.
Harry Maguire remains a squad player under Erik ten Hag but he’s proven to be an important option this season.
Many were surprised when the 30-year-old opted to stay at Old Trafford over the summer in favour of fighting for his place under Ten Hag. Maguire had received interest from West Ham and would have likely played more regularly at the London Stadium.
However, the Englishman has managed 11 starts in the Premier League this term and with ongoing injury concerns at centre-back at Man United, Maguire has stepped up.
His most recent display at Villa Park earned him the Player of the Match award as United picked up a crucial 2-1 win.
And Gabriel Agbonlahor has praised Maguire for proving people wrong this season.
Agbonlahor says Maguire have proven doubters wrong
Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor lauded Maguire for deciding to stay and fight for his place at United.
“I’m not going to go to West Ham because people are telling me to,” Agbonlahor said. “I back myself to get back into that Manchester United team and start putting in top performances again.
“So, credit to Harry Maguire. Credit to his mental health as well, his mind frame of saying you know what? I’m not going to listen to those guys who bully me on social media.
“I’m going to fight for my place, put in top performances and look at him now. He’s proved a lot of people wrong.”
While Maguire has largely capitalised on injuries to key defenders at United, he has impressed this season.
The centre-back scooped the Premier League’s Player of the Month award in November after a run in Ten Hag’s side.
Lisandro Martinez picked up another injury in the 4-3 win at Wolves earlier this month, which has led to Maguire returning to the starting XI.
He’s performed well when called upon and despite receiving heavy criticism over the past couple of years, he’s answered his critics this season.
