
Jaap Stam Urges Harry Maguire to Leave Manchester United
Share
Jaap Stam's Advice for Harry Maguire: A Change May Be Necessary
Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam has recently recommended that the club's captain, Harry Maguire, consider leaving Old Trafford. This advice comes on the heels of Maguire's ongoing struggles to adapt to new head coach Erik ten Hag's style of play, which has seen the England international relegated to a substitute role for much of the current season.
Maguire's Struggles Under Ten Hag
Maguire's tenure at Manchester United has taken a turn for the worse since the arrival of Ten Hag, with the defender finding it difficult to integrate into the coach's tactical approach. As a result, he has become a frequent observer from the sidelines, prompting questions regarding his future at the club.
Stam's Perspective
Stam, a three-time Premier League champion and crucial player in United’s UEFA Champions League triumph, voiced his concern for Maguire's career progression. In an interview with Adam Catterall on the debut episode of Full Circle, presented by Bet365, Stam stated, "If I was Maguire, looking at how it's working out for him this season, I would have said [he should leave]. I think that's best for him as he needs to play."
The Importance of Playing Time
At this stage of his career, Stam believes that Maguire needs consistent playing time to develop and maintain his form. He noted, "You're at a certain age that you want to play; you need to play football. It seems like Ten Hag doesn't always believe in Maguire. I think the best thing to do is to go somewhere where you can play week in, week out."
Stam's Own Experience with Leaving United
Stam's advice comes from his own experiences with the club. He joined Manchester United from PSV Eindhoven in 1998, which he referred to as the greatest moment of his career. However, just three years later, he was shown the door by Sir Alex Ferguson due to a fallout over a controversial autobiography.
"That was a very low point... The book deal was a big part of that. I could have stayed, of course, but the manager at that time went with different players. I would be on the bench," Stam explained. He reflected on how Ferguson was aware of his mentality as a player, and knowing he always wanted to play, the manager made the decision to part ways.
Conclusion: The Future for Maguire
As Maguire continues to face challenges at Manchester United, the notion of a transfer may become increasingly appealing. Stam's insights serve as a reminder of the importance of playing time and personal growth for professional athletes, particularly in a league as competitive as the Premier League. Finding a club where he can play consistently may ultimately benefit both Maguire and the teams he represents.
Further Reading
Meta Description: Jaap Stam advises Harry Maguire to consider leaving Manchester United for more playing time due to his struggles under Erik ten Hag. Explore the importance of playing time for athletes.