Italian national team defender, Leonardo Bonucci, praised Harry Maguire. According to Bonucci, Maguire has shown a tough mentality at Manchester United and deserves to be an example for other players.
Harry Maguire became the most expensive defender in the world when Manchester United bought him for 80 million pounds sterling from Leicester City in 2019. Upon his arrival, Maguire immediately became the main choice at the heart of the Red Devils’ defense. However, on the other hand, Maguire also often makes blunders which make him the target of criticism.
Last season, the presence of Lisandro Martinez made Maguire lose his place. Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, often pairs Martinez with Raphael Varane. Maguire only made 16 appearances in the Premier League’s top competition, the Premier League, throughout the 2022-2023 season.
In the 2023 summer transfer market, Maguire is even close to leaving Old Trafford. Maguire almost moved to West Ham. However, The Hammers canceled the transfer process at the last second because the 30 year old player never gave an answer.
The decision to stay at Manchester United bore sweet fruit for Harry Maguire. This season, his performance has improved and he has become an important figure in the Red Devils’ back row. Before suffering an injury against Bayern Munich, Maguire had made 11 appearances in the Premier League this season. The owner of 62 caps with the England national team was also named the Premier League’s best player for November.
Harry Maguire’s revival also received praise from the Italian national team defender who is currently defending Union Berlin, Leonardo Bonucci. According to Bonucci, Maguire deserves to be an example for other players.
“For me, Harry is an example. After all the criticism and pressure he received, he still plays at Manchester United and is a regular player for the England national team,” said Bonucci in an interview with Sun Sport. “Maguire is a strong and tough defender,” added the former Juventus player.
Bonucci also said that Maguire was a mentally tough player because he was able to handle all the pressure directed at him. “The problem is that he was paid an unlimited amount of money when he joined Manchester United. However, is it just because of that that brought him down? He has shown that he has extraordinary mental toughness, leadership, personality and intelligence. Just like all of us, he may have some limitations but he will realize them and overcome them to improve,” said Bonucci.
