Patrice Evra has told Harry Maguire "not to give up" on his Manchester United future ahead of his much anticipated comeback.
Maguire, 29, is back in United's squad after suffering an injury while playing for England against Germany a month ago. The defender is the club captain at Old Trafford but was recently dropped by Erik ten Hag in favour of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
Maguire did not start against Europa League rivals Sheriff on Thursday evening - as Ten Hag selected Victor Lindelof to play alongside Martinez - but the Englishman is expected to play an important role in the next few weeks due to Varane's untimely injury.
The Frenchman is unlikely to play for United again before the World Cup starts on November 20. Maguire will be hoping to start Sunday afternoon's Premier League game against West Ham and Evra has urged United's skipper to prove himself in Varane's absence.
"This is a massive opportunity for Harry Maguire," Evra told Betfair. "Now, United have Lindelof, Maguire and it's a big opportunity. It's a massive opportunity for Harry Maguire. The team is doing well, and I think because of that his integration will be easier.
"I don't know if Ten Hag will give him back the armband because that doesn't help Harry. When the fans and other people see him with the armband things are already negative. I've talked to Harry, and told him to not give up and that he has to get his confidence back. This is the perfect opportunity for him to show us the player he is."
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Maguire became one of United's most consistent performers following his £80million move from Leicester in July 2019, playing 107 games during his first two seasons at the club. Yet his form dipped significantly after Euro 2020, which was held in the summer of 2021.
The defender was heavily criticised last season, as United finished sixth in the Premier League and failed to win a trophy for the fifth consecutive season. He then started this term poorly, forcing Ten Hag to form a new defensive partnership in Varane and Martinez.
Maguire has also been booed by fans on international duty. "For me, it was disgusting to see some English fans booing him," added Evra. "He had an amazing Euros and every time he plays for England he's at his highest level. This nonsense has to stop.
"Now, if you are a true United fan, I'm begging you to give the man a chance and support him. Also, Harry can't fail. If he fails this opportunity I think he will have to leave the club. But I know he can do it and he's going to have the full support of the manager and the players.
"We don't know what's going to happen, the manager might play Lindelof instead, but even if that is the case, Harry shouldn't give up, he should wait for his moment, it will come and when it does he needs to show us the player he is.
"He's had a lot of time to think and I don't think anyone is happy when he's on the bench. He must be angry inside, and now he needs to use that anger when he gets the opportunity to play."
