Manchester United's Harry Maguire had been on the Old Trafford pitch for just two minutes when he received a yellow card against Arsenal earlier this month. Maguire immediately brought Gabriel Jesus down after struggling with the pace of the game.
The centre-back had replaced Lisandro Martinez with 10 minutes to play and he was eager to make an impression in the short amount of time that was remaining. That eagerness turned into clumsiness and supporters groaned when he was shown a yellow after just entering the field. Maguire has lost his starting place this season and there's currently no sign he can win it back.
Maguire started against Brighton and Brentford but he hasn't been picked since in the Premier League, which has coincided with United taking 12 points from Liverpool, Southampton, Leicester and Arsenal. Maguire has reluctantly watched those wins from the bench.
ALSO READ: The Man United player who made Premier League history in two seconds
Although he endured the worst campaign of his career last term, Erik ten Hag gave him the benefit of the doubt in August, which was a decision perhaps made easier by Raphael Varane, who couldn't seem to take part in double sessions on pre-season tour due to ongoing fitness issues.
After the two humbling defeats at the start of the season, Ten Hag made the decision to drop Maguire to the bench for Liverpool. Varane came into the side to start with Martinez and the pair have now developed a formidable partnership.
Martinez and Varane have conceded just two goals across the last five games they have started together and they have endeared themselves to supporters with their aggressive performances, which is a far cry from the fan sentiment towards Maguire.
Although the club captain showed character when delivering a strong performance against Real Sociedad in the Europa League, he has lost his starting place for the first time at Old Trafford and he now has the challenge of overcoming that adversity.
Maguire came on from the bench in the 90th minute against FC Sheriff last week and he took the armband from Bruno Fernandes for the last few minutes of the game. It felt like a symbolic moment — he seems to be running out of time as the club's captain.
Gareth Southgate has always trusted Maguire and he was named in the England squad on Thursday for this month's international fixtures. Maguire cannot argue his selection for England is based on form because he has played just 100 minutes since the Brentford debacle.
Maguire has been selected to represent his nation by default and because Southgate has his favourites. The England boss has been criticised for that approach, but to be fair to him, he's often rewarded historic performances for the national team with solid results.
Maguire has played his best football for England over the past few years, not for his club. Maguire was outstanding at the 2018 World Cup and 2020 European Championship, although he has certainly benefited from playing in a defensive back three.
It seems unlikely that Maguire will win his United starting place back any time soon and that means it's more important than ever for him to perform for England. He will likely start for England in both of their games this month and it's an opportunity he needs to take, with the World Cup on the horizon.
England are set to play Italy and Germany in the Nations League and Maguire will be hoping to send a message to Ten Hag with commanding displays against both opponents. It's an opportunity to impress against elite nations that he simply must take.
It would be normal for Maguire's confidence to have taken a knock, but playing for England can help him raise it again
READ MORE:
