- Rubén Amorim has suffered defeats in five of his first 10 games at Old Trafford
- But he singled out one player and praised him for being “focused on the job.”
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Ruben Amorim has jumped to the defense of Manchester United defender Harry Maguire and insisted he has proven his critics wrong this season.
Maguire captained United between 2019 and 2023, and was handed the armband less than a year after joining in an £80million deal from Leicester City.
But after losing his first-choice status under Erik ten Hag and turning in a series of poor performances, Maguire was dramatically stripped of the prestigious role.
He has since fought his way back into contention at centre-back under Amorim and has impressed at the heart of the head coach’s new three-man line.
Maguire could also lead United against Newcastle on Monday with regular captain Bruno Fernandes suspended, and Amorim has praised his influence.
“You’ll have to wait and see what happens with the captain,” Amorim said.
Rubén Amorim named a Manchester United player who proved his critics wrong
Harry Maguire has impressed with Amorim’s new system after fighting for his place
The centre-back was stripped of the captaincy by Erik ten Hag after falling out of favor
Asked to elaborate on Maguire’s importance, he added: “He’s working very well.” He is focused on the work, not on what people say.
“He has no excuses, even if he has gone through difficult times. In that sense he is an example. He is there to play and help the team and he is trying to do so.”
United won 81 of the 140 matches in which Maguire captained the team and admitted his disappointment after being informed of his demotion by Ten Hag in July 2023.
“After speaking to the manager today he informed me that he will be changing captain,” Maguire tweeted. “He explained his reasons to me and, although I am personally very disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt.
“So I wanted to say a huge thank you to the Manchester United fans for all their brilliant support while I was wearing the armband.
“Since the day I took over three and a half years ago, it has been a great privilege to lead Manchester United and one of the proudest moments of my career to date.
“It is one of the greatest honors in club football. I have done everything I can to help United succeed, on and off the field.
“I will always be grateful to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for first giving me the responsibility and I wish whoever takes it on now every success and will have my full support.”
Maguire has made 15 appearances in all competitions this season and has scored one goal.
