Harry Maguire has made critical change after Man United left him ‘exposed’ – expert
Gareth Southgate and his coaching staff may have coached Man United defender Harry Maguire to stop committing fouls in the opposition’s penalty area during a corner, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee delivered his verdict after England’s 6-2 win over Iran in their opening World Cup group game on Monday (21 November).
Maguire provided the assist for Bukayo Saka’s first and England’s second goal with a cushioned header from a corner.
However, the Iran players protested to referee Raphael Claus for the goal to be disallowed as they felt the 29-year-old had fouled Rouzbeh Cheshmi to win the ball.
“One highlight for me is that they claimed Maguire had fouled but he didn’t,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I think that might be to the credit of not only Harry Maguire but to Gareth Southgate. He’s probably tidied up the area of exposure that Maguire had of using his hands and arms against his opponent’s in the opponent’s penalty area.
“It was good to see him jump cleanly.
“Their appeal for a penalty kick was based on the history of Harry Maguire and not the actual incident.”
Maguire’s place in the England squad was questioned after he started just five games across all competitions for Man United in the first part of the season.
The United skipper seems to be Erik ten Hag’s fourth-choice centre-back behind Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof.
In other news, Man United are set for an FA charge as controversial Cristiano Ronaldo footage emerges.