Pundit: Harry Maguire ‘fourth choice at Man United’ after new twist – ‘wow’
Noel Whelan has suggested Harry Maguire’s World Cup place is in doubt if he cannot displace injured star Raphael Varane on his return to fitness at Man United.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted everyone is on the “edge of their seat” as Erik ten Hag deals with an injury crisis at centre-back.
As per the Manchester Evening News (5 October), Varane is expected back in action “fairly quickly” despite missing Thursday’s (7 October) Europa League win over Omonia Nicosia.
The report claims Maguire will be sidelined for slightly longer as he battles a hamstring injury sustained on international duty with England.
The Man United captain hasn’t started in the Premier League since the 4-0 away humiliation at Brentford in August.
Nevertheless, Maguire started both games during last month’s international break – just weeks out from the World Cup in Qatar.
Whelan insisted the centre-back will be “worrying” for his place at the tournament if he cannot beat Varane in the race for fitness.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s going to be interesting to see where Ten Hag is going to put his faith.
“Everyone’s on the edge of their seat to see how this Man United side will shape up with the injuries they have.
“If Maguire isn’t chosen over Varane, Lindelof, and Martinez, you’re then thinking: ‘Wow, he’s fourth choice but he’s starting for England.’
“You’ve got to start worrying for him, then, if he doesn’t get take this opportunity with Varane out.
“Where does it leave Gareth Southgate in terms of the World Cup if he can’t even get into a depleted United side?”
In other news, Football Insider updates as Newcastle set sights on signing Man United star.