Gary Lineker calls United star one of the world’s “most underrated players”, he absolutely dominated Arsenal

Gary Lineker has showered Harry Maguire with praise after the Manchester United star’s latest imperious performance at the heart of Michael Carrick’s defence. “Most Underrated” Speaking on the The Rest is Football, Lineker describes the 32-year-old centre-back as “one of the most underrated players” in the world, believing he deserves more recognition after his performance in the 3-2 win over Arsenal. The legendary English striker hosts the podcast alongside Micah Richards, with the former defender stating Maguire is “very, very good” in a low block, before going on to admit: “I know he’s laughed at and people make memes all the time.” But Lineker fired back, stressing that while Maguire’s speed can be a weakness, the United defender’s all-round play more than makes up for it. “Do you know what I think about Harry Maguire? I think he’s one of the most underrated players in football,” Lineker states. “I know people have a pop at him, even people in the game have a pop at him. And I know that he can be turned by a striker with pace but he makes up for it to a degree with his intelligence. “He can play as well, he’s good on the ball and he’s never let England down when he’s played for his country. I would also say he’s bloody brilliant in both boxes from set-pieces.” An Uncertain Future Despite outstanding displays in United’s back-to-back victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, Maguire‘s future at with United remains uncertain. The former Leicester City star, who joined the Red Devils for a world-record £80 million fee for a defender in 2019, is out of contract at the end of the season, with talks over a new deal yet to progress. There has been interest from both inside and outside the Premier League, with Chelsea, Everton and West Ham linked with a move, while Serie A heavyweights Juventus and Napoli are also keeping tabs. Maguire’s salary at Old Trafford is one of the more expensive, despite his role being more of a squad player than a first name on the team sheet at this late stage of his career. However, the confirmation that Casemiro– the 33-year-old Brazilian behemoth – would also be leaving United as his contract had not been renewed puts more emphasis to retain Maguire’s services. The Red Devils dressing room is an increasingly youthful one by design, as INEOS look to build for the future – but it puts added responsibility on the senior stars to guide their younger teammates. The loss of a leader like Casemiro, a player with an almost unparalleled level of success in his glittering career, means United can ill-afford to lose another experienced head, particularly in defence. Featured image Alex Pantling via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.