‘He’ll want to prove everyone wrong’: Wes Brown on Harry Maguire’s Man Utd future

Wes Brown has backed Harry Maguire to ‘get back to his best’ at Manchester United next season.

The former Red Devils defender believes Maguire hasn’t performed as well as he should have for the club, but isn’t the only player to do so.

However, Brown, who played for United between 1992 and 2011, thinks the absence of the Red Devils captain in recent games has benefitted him.

Speaking to the Sun, Brown said: "Harry has put in some bad performances this year. But listen, everybody has.

"I think the last few games have done him a favour because you can see [without him] nothing has changed. He actually played very well when he came on against Brighton."

Maguire has been at the centre of criticism from fans and pundits for United’s poor defensive displays this campaign, but Brown is supporting the Red Devils no.5 under upcoming manager Erik ten Hag next season.

"Harry will go away in the summer and have a little break,” Brown added. “He’ll want to come back and prove everyone wrong with what has been said.

"To me, yes you can have a bad season, but it’s how you bounce back.

"Next season will be massive for Maguire but I’m pretty sure he’ll get back to his best."

Ten Hag will arrive at Old Trafford in the summer having signed a three-year contract, with an option for a further year.

The Dutchman is likely to stamp his own mark on United’s squad and could see several players depart at the end of the campaign.

Brown went on to discuss the importance of the Red Devils having a regular centre-back pairing under Ten Hag.

"You have to find the right combination,” Brown explained.

"This season we definitely have let in too many goals. The centre-backs have changed quite a lot which I don’t think is brilliant.

"It’s a long season. You like to know who you’re playing with, know what he does and anticipate what he does.”

Maguire has been ever-present for United this season, making 36 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice.