Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam has backed Harry Maguire to recover from last season’s struggles.
The defender was given a confidence boost by his new boss after Erik ten Hag revealed he would stay on as club captain. The centre-back had a tricky campaign but will seemingly retain his place in the new manager’s starting XI.
Some United fans had called for him to be stripped of the captaincy, with a few even suggesting he should be offloaded. They feel he failed to show leadership amid the team’s disjointed season, in which they conceded more goals than they ever have in a single Premier League campaign.
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Stam did not hide the fact that Maguire had an abject year, but suggested that there may be hope on the horizon. Speaking to Genting Casino, the former centre-half explained how Maguire could “make a difference” next season.
“Harry Maguire had a tough season as well and a lot of people are always talking about him, his performances and the amount of money that he cost," he said. "Of course, we all expect him to do better and I think he has the potential to make a difference at United, especially playing under a manager like Ten Hag and how he wants to play.”
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