Sam Allardyce Praises Harry Maguire's Professionalism at Manchester United

The former West Ham manager commends Maguire for enduring criticism and staying loyal to the club.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a soccer player, likely Harry Maguire, in various overlapping perspectives, capturing the dynamic movement and energy of the sport.Maguire's resilience and dedication to Manchester United shine through the fractured, cubist depiction of his on-field contributions.Today in Miami

Harry Maguire has faced immense scrutiny since joining Manchester United, but his professionalism and commitment to the club have been praised by former West Ham manager Sam Allardyce. Despite being stripped of the captaincy and often criticized, Maguire has remained patient and continued to contribute on the pitch, earning a contract extension at Old Trafford.

Why it matters

Maguire's ability to withstand online harassment and maintain his focus sets a positive example for young players at Manchester United. His loyalty to the club, even during difficult times, is a testament to his character and could make him a valuable mentor for the team's emerging talents.

The details

Maguire has registered 20 appearances in all competitions this season, including 15 starts, and has contributed two goals and one assist. He was previously stripped of the captaincy by Erik ten Hag, but has since worked his way back into the team under caretaker manager Michael Carrick. Allardyce praised Maguire's conduct, noting that he never criticized the club or demanded a move, unlike Cristiano Ronaldo, who left United in controversial fashion.

  • Maguire was handed the captaincy by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but it was taken away by Erik ten Hag in the summer of 2023.
  • Maguire was linked with a move to West Ham United in the summer of 2023, but he refused to give up and worked hard to force his way back into the Manchester United team.

The players

Harry Maguire

An English defender who has been a key player for Manchester United since joining the club in 2019, despite facing significant criticism and scrutiny.

Sam Allardyce

A former West Ham United manager who has praised Maguire's professionalism and loyalty to Manchester United during a difficult period in his career.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

The former Manchester United manager who appointed Maguire as the club's captain.

Erik ten Hag

The current Manchester United manager who stripped Maguire of the captaincy in the summer of 2023.

Cristiano Ronaldo

The former Manchester United player who left the club in controversial fashion after a fallout with Erik ten Hag.

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What they’re saying

“Well, he's the most patient man in football, the way he's been treated, and I think that going from the England captain to being almost destroyed by the manager at Man United, and no matter what he did or what he tried to do, Man United weren't great at centre-half at the time.”

— Sam Allardyce, Former West Ham United Manager

“Went viral like many players do. You know, not turning up and that. So never any of that. And of course, his love for Man United in the end, he must have loved the club that much to stay and put up with that. He's now been rewarded as soon as Carrick goes back saying, why are you not playing?”

— Sam Allardyce, Former West Ham United Manager

What’s next

Maguire will look to continue his strong performances for Manchester United and potentially regain the captaincy under the new management team.

The takeaway

Maguire's ability to maintain his professionalism and commitment to Manchester United, even during a difficult period marked by online criticism and a loss of the captaincy, serves as an example for young players on how to handle adversity and stay loyal to the club.