Mikael Silvestre: Harry Maguire Is Taking His Chance The Right Way

Manchester United got their first win and points of the 2023/24 Champions League campaign, winning 1-0 against FC Copenhagen.

Harry Maguire and Andre Onana proved to be the difference makers for Erik ten Hag’s men. The English defender’s 72nd minute header gave the Red Devils the lead and the Cameroonian stopped a last-minute Jordan Larsson penalty.

Mikael Silvestre, who won the 2007/08 Champions League with Manchester United, talked to us about Maguire and how he can take the opportunities at hand. The Frenchman also spoke about Diogo Dalot and Alejandro Garnacho.

In this article:

• Maguire taking opportunities in the right manner
• Dalot needs to be consistent
• Garnacho needs to make better decisions
• Safer gambling

Harry Maguire Is Taking His Opportunities The Right Way

The former Leicester City defender has come back into Manchester United’s starting lineup due to an injury to Lisandro Martinez and is trying to make the most of the opportunities to become a nailed on starter again.

This has not gone unnoticed as Silvestre believes that Maguire is taking his chance and doing it in the right manner, praising his mental resilience in a tough situation.

“Harry Maguire is taking his chance. He was given the opportunity because of injuries to other players and it’s good for him because he needs to play.”

“Harry is a solid guy, mentally and physically. Everybody is having a good relationship with him. He’s taking this opportunity the right way.”

Silvestre also stresses on the need for Maguire to play regularly as another goal for the English defender is to be in the national squad for the Euros when the season ends.

“He needs to play to get better and better, to have the rhythm, the confidence, the relationship with other players.”

“His main goal, besides finishing on a high with Man Utd, is to go to the Euros with England.”

Consistency Should Be The Aim For Diogo Dalot

Diogo Dalot has become a regular feature in the Man Utd XI with his ability to play on either side of the defence being key in a squad fraught with injuries. The Portuguese even got on the score sheet recently, finding the net against Sheffield United.

Silvestre praised Dalot’s offensive abilities but also said that question marks still remain around his defensive work. The Frenchman adds that Dalot needs to become more consistent at that end of the pitch as longevity is a key judgement factor when you’re a Man Utd player.

“I think Diogo, we know his offensive display. Again you could see it, his finish against Sheffield.”

“But sometimes defensively you have some question marks with him, that’s why he’s not regarded as a solid right-back.”

“He’s working, he’s fit. He’s had some injuries when he first came to United so that means he’s looking after himself. He’s playing game after game.”

“Consistency is important. You know you will be judged for longevity at Manchester United.”

Garnacho Has To Adjust And Make Right Choices

Another player whose trajectory isn’t as sharp as expected is Alejandro Garnacho.

The Argentinian winger burst onto the scene last season but his performances have been underwhelming so far and Silvestre gives his reasoning why.

“When you start so well he might have thought it would continue that way but you have to push yourself to create and be the difference.”

“Players now get to watch tapes of their opponents so they know his tendencies and it’s easier to study him.”

The five-time Premier League winner says that to improve, Garnacho has to start adjusting and making better decisions on the pitch. He also adds that the more playing time he’ll get, the better he will get.

“He has to adjust and make the right choices at the right time.”

“Young players tend to rush things. Last year he was creating chances and working hard for the team so given time he will continue to improve.”

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