Harry Maguire has recently come out and highlighted that a Manchester United cult hero was during his playing days amid his new role at Old Trafford.
Harry Maguire has embarked on what can only be described as a period of redemption and proving his biggest critics wrong.
After being stripped of the captaincy ahead of the 2022/23 season and almost leaving for West Ham, among other clubs, in the 2023/24 season, it seemed the end of his Manchester United career neared.
Since then, the England international has only improved and gone from strength to strength to the point where it could be argued this season, despite some of United’s defensive struggles, is one of his best years in a United shirt.
After returning from an injury that saw him miss the end of Ruben Amorim’s reign, Maguire was a stalwart at the back with Lisandro Martinez in the recent Manchester derby victory.
Maguire singles out Evans as “underrated”
Maguire was recently interviewed by MUTV in their new “influencers” series, in which they ask current players about figures who have been instrumental to their careers.
It was no surprise to hear that one of his biggest role models growing up was Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand.
He said, “There weren’t many others, so I felt like he always stood out for that [driving out with the ball]. He’s someone I did learn from, really, and obviously, he had a magnificent career at Manchester United and won everything. He was a top-class all-round defender.”
However, there was also a surprise inclusion for Jonny Evans, who has a new coaching role at Old Trafford under Michael Carrick. The Englishman gave a raving report of his former teammate, not only at United but also during their time at Leicester City.
“When I speak about underrated players, I’d say Jonny, for me, was probably the most underrated player I’ve ever played with. If I were a young boy, or I was teaching someone to watch defending and watch body positioning and watch movement, I’d say: ‘Watch Jonny Evans.’
Maguire also highlighted how Evans has what he perceives as the best quality for a defender.
“The main thing as a defender, I always say, is being active in every part of the game, and Jonny was the best I’ve played with in terms of that. So he was an excellent player, and obviously coming towards the end when he came back to us at the club. But you could still see his quality.”
Welbeck could have a similar effect to Evans
When Evans returned to the club as a player, it obviously raised eyebrows. However, he quickly put doubts to rest, showing his quality as Maguire alluded to and being an excellent servant for United.
Off the field, Evans was an instrumental figure during the toughest period in Man United’s modern history, with many players crediting him with guiding the younger players about the pressures of playing for the club.
Danny Welbeck is another player from the same era as Evans who could offer the same impact. After leaving Manchester United for Arsenal in 2014, the Englishman has found himself in the best form of his career at Brighton despite being 35.
His contract is set to expire in the summer. This could be a very shrewd signing for Manchester United. His clear experience can help guide the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Chido Obi, whilst still having one or two more years left in him to still be counted on to score goals.
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