“Shocked and gutted”: United veteran blasts decision as World Cup dream in tatters

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has had one of his best seasons for the Red Devils. Season With Matthijs de Ligt spending most of the season injured with a back problem and Lisandro Martinez also missing significant game time, Maguire has stepped up. The Englishman has been the senior centre-back at the club and has regularly played alongside youngsters Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven at the heart of the United defence. He has played 24 games this season, scoring two goals and providing two assists. A personal highlight will surely be scoring the winner at Anfield in October, which sealed United’s first away victory at Liverpool since 2016. England omission News broke last night that the 33-year-old has been left out of Thomas Tuchel’s final England squad that will fly to the World Cup. Maguire has played 66 times for his country, scoring seven goals, and has represented them at the World Cup in 2018 and 2022. He also played a crucial role in England’s run to the Euro 2020 final. Maguire’s reaction The United defender took to X to vent his frustration at being left out of the team. He commented, “I was confident I could of played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had. I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision.” The defender also added, “I’ve loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years.” He then wished his compatriots all the best in the summer. I was confident I could of played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had. I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision. I’ve loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years. I wish the players, all the… pic.twitter.com/9X7asAkCFF — Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) May 21, 2026 Maguire’s mother also reacted to the news, claiming that she was “absolutely disgusted.” His brother, Joe, also did not take kindly to the news, claiming, “this might possibly be the worst decision I’ve ever seen in my life. No words.” Harry Maguire season stats Games playedGoalsAssistsMins platyed 24221666 Source: transfermarkt.com Featured image by Shaun Botterill/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 Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.