Gordon Strachan is proud of Harry Maguire for the way he has rebuilt his reputation after struggling at Manchester United.
The England international’s place at Euro 2024 looked to be in doubt after Erik ten Hag made it clear that he was available for transfer last summer, and he appeared to be close to a move to West Ham.
However, he remained in place and with United’s injury problems, coupled with Raphael Varane’s drop-off in form, he has emerged once more as a first-choice starter for Ten Hag.
That has coincided with an upturn in form for United as they have reached sixth spot following a 2-1 win at Aston Villa last weekend, though a charge for the Champions League places remains fanciful unless they can keep up their current form.
Maguire had found himself facing criticism from the press and supporters, and was a figure of fun for some, and Strachan told Lord Ping that his resilience is admirable.
He said: “Harry Maguire has been the butt of so many jokes and all of the problems at Manchester United over the last couple of years. The way that he has handled that is a great example for any professional footballer.
"He didn’t get involved with the nonsense and behaved impeccably when there were all the stories about him.
"People were feeling sorry for you, and that is the last place you ever want to be as a footballer. He rolled up his sleeves and got on with it. It’s great to see him come through this period. I’m delighted for him, I really am.”
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