As the centre-back continues to impress at the World Cup, Harry Maguire believes he is “under a lot more scrutiny” with Manchester United than with England.

The Red Devils captain has been a standout performer for Gareth Southgate’s side in Qatar 2022, starting all four games and contributing to three clean sheets.

It’s a stark contrast for the defender, who has struggled at club level over the last season and a half and has been demoted to second-string status under new manager Erik ten Hag due to an ιnjury layoff.

Maguire has few complaints, admitting that United were far from their best last season, and claiming that he feels more scrutinized at Old Trafford than with the Three Lions.

“I’m under a lot more scrutiny at Manchester United,” he added. “Everything I do is scrutinized. Every pass I make is scrutinized. Every goal we give up is the fault of a defender.

“When you’re playing week in and week out for three years, the last year isn’t good enough.” Everyone on the team didn’t perform well enough, and we were scrutinized as players.”

Under Ten Hag, however, United have overcome a shaky start – as well as the saga of Cristiano Ronaldo – to enter the World Cup break looking as good as they have in two years.

Maguire is overjoyed to see the turnaround, even if he is at the bottom of the pecking order, and is looking forward to fιghting his way back into the Dutchman’s head.

“No one came out of the season with plaudits, so it was a general team issue last season,” he explained, “but this season has been much better.”

“This is the first year I’ve sat on the bench for a few games.” I obviously suffered an ιnjury as well, a thigh ιnjury that sidelined me for four weeks, but I’ll fιght to reclaim my spot.”

Maguire is expected to play in England’s World Cup quarterfinal match against defending champions France on Saturday.

MANCHESTER UNITED LOSE TO CADIZ IN SPAIN IN MID-SEASON FRIENDLY DESPITE ANTHONY MARTIAL PENALTY

Manchester United is in Spain with a group of first-team players who are not in Qatar for the World Cup, as well as youngsters who are not yet in Erik ten Hag’s immediate plans. On Wednesday night, they played the first of two friendlies against Spanish side Cadiz, which they won 4-2. Anthony Martial, who scored one of United’s goals from the penalty spot, had good news.

Manchester United were defeated 4-2 by Cadiz in a mid-season friendly on Wednesday night in Spain.

Erik ten Hag chose to play the Spanish side to keep first-team players sharp who had not traveled to the Qatar World Cup, whether because their countries left them behind or because their countries did not qualify for the tournament.

Anthony Martial of France, Aaron Wan-Bissaka of England, Alejandro Garnacho of Argentina, and Donny van de Beek of the Netherlands all failed to get the nod from their respective managers and all started against Cadiz.

Martin Dubravka, Victor Lindelof, and Scott McTominay were also given starts despite their countries’ failure to qualify for the ongoing tournament in Qatar.

United fell behind early in the first half, as Carlos Garcia-Die Sanchez put the hosts ahead after only eight minutes. Anthony Lozano made it 2-0 six minutes later.

United had a glimmer of hope when Martial scored from the spot, confidently converting with a well-executed Panenka.

United equalized three minutes into the second half when Kobbie Mainoo scored, but Cadiz took the lead again just before the hour mark thanks to Ruben Sobrino.

Ten Hag had already made a number of changes in order to attract a number of young people.

On 77 minutes, Cadiz’s Tomas Alarcon made it four.

Manchester United will play another friendly against another Spanish team, Real Betis, on Saturday, December 10.

United are currently fifth in the Premier League after a promising but inconsistent start to the season under new coach Ten Hag, and the club will have all of its players back after the World Cup concludes on December 18.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the 37-year-old striker from Portugal, will be missing after leaving the club by mutual consent following a contentious interview in the run-up to the World Cup.

United have been linked with a number of replacements, including Cody Gakpo of the Netherlands and PSV Eindhoven, though he is also a rᴜmoured target for Leeds United and Arsenal, who have lost striker Gabriel Jesus to ιnjury.

The Premier League will resume on Boxing Day, December 26, six days before the January transfer window reopens and clubs can make transfers.