Harry Maguire believes he should be judged in “five or six” years’ time after an underwhelming start to life at Old Trafford. United completed a defensive world-record deal to sign the England man from Leicester City in the summer for a fee of £80million.
So far, his career has not got off to the ideal start, with United languishing in 12th in the table following a hugely disappointing 1-0 loss to Newcastle on Sunday.
It means United have now gone 11 away games in all competitions without finding the back of the net and the pressure is starting to build on manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Maguire was the marquee signing in the summer, marking a change in the direction of the club’s transfer policy as they moved towards bringing in younger, homegrown talent.
Aaron Wan Bissaka and Daniel James were also signed from Crystal Palace and Swansea respectively and while the duo, particularly James, have started brightly, they have not been enough to improve the fortunes pf the Old Trafford outfit.
Maguire has figured in all eight of their Premier League games so far this season and has urged fans to give him more time before making their judgements, rather than on what they have seen so far. “It’s the long term, that’s what the main thing is. In five or six years, judge me then – whether I have been a success at this club or not.”
Maguire told the club’s official magazine Inside United. “I do believe and am really confident that, in five or six years, I’ll be a success and I am sure we’ll have many, many good times here.”
Maguire’s debut in August was a memorable occasion as United demolished Chelsea 4-0 at Stamford Bridge, thanks to a brace from Marcus Rashford, with Anthony Martial and James also on target.
However, they have only managed one win since – a 1-0 triumph against Maguire’s former club Leicester in September thanks to a Rashford spot kick.
The Red Devils next match after the international break could be huge in determining boss Solskjaer’s future, as they host Liverpool on Sunday, October 20.
