The former United and England midfielder knows the sacrifices needed to excel at the highest level. Beyond his ability, it is the kind of attitude that meant Maguire put himself forward to be involved at Burnley, which makes him so valuable to United. But through Burnley, Brighton, City and beyond, Maguire played for every single minute of the four-match winning streak Carrick started his spell in charge with. Before that, Erik ten Hag clearly did not feel Maguire was the kind of player he wanted, and Martinez has suffered some pretty hefty injuries. There is also the knowledge their first two games together were the defeats by Brighton and Brentford that started Ten Hag's reign.

Source: BBC February 23, 2026 07:09 UTC