Harry Maguire: £80m Man Utd Move, Online Hate & World Cup Dream | My Best Coach

0:00Immersing yourself in all things soccer ahead of this summer's World Cup? I'm Alex Abnos, senior sports editor from The Guardian. Whether you're a soccer beginner or you know the game inside and out, we've got you covered. From one of the fastest growing soccer newsrooms, The Guardian brings you in-depth World Cup coverage that gets into the winners and losers on and off the pitch. Read, watch and listen as our journalists connect the dots between the games, the cultures and this political moment. We'll have daily newsletters throughout the tournament, a global perspective, and a squad of Americans, including me, on the ground with the U.S.

0:32national team. Plus, if you want to test your soccer knowledge, try On The Ball. It's a game in the Guardian app, and it's really, really fun. And if you're into stuff like this... Well, I think the problem is, if you give footballers an inch, they will take a mile. Is it too much when it's this close? It's a bit much. It's a bit too real. Maybe you could just talk with a slight delay. Be sure to listen to our Football Weekly podcast for on-the-move expert analysis. The Guardian, bringing you the whole picture on soccer. Search Guardian Soccer for more.

1:24Mattress Warehouse. We're more than a mattress store. We're Mattress Warehouse.

1:36Okay, perhaps, you know what, you've got to give that a little bit of a... Give it a little bit of a shake. What are we doing here today, Ian? We're going to interview the great Harry Maguire, a player I very much admire, admire his journey, and we're going to be talking about the best coach he's had. Who's been the one that's helped him the most? Through everything. He's perfect. He's perfect to talk to for what he's been through, what he's done, how he's come through. From the start, you know what I'm going to do? I'm going to let that just like... I'm going to let it... I'm going to let it settle.

2:09Just let it settle. People feel he's just jumped on straight away with the razor. No, you just let it settle a bit. It smells nice. What do you know about Ian Wright, Harry? I know that he is a very good guy, an amazing footballer and an even better person. Do you see any similarities between his career and your career? I must say, Ian was a tad before I was watching football on a regular basis. I've seen a lot of his highlights and I know that he was an amazing finisher. and that's not something I am so I'd say we're not similar on the football pitch but I do think he's had an amazing career Would you have liked to have liked it?

2:56No, not really So yeah, so I'm going to be doing that with a big man so looking forward to the best coach so who's his best coach? Who's the person that inspired him? Who's the person that he went to when it was on top for him? Who's the one he spoke to when he couldn't speak to other people? Especially when he's going through the tough times and the good times and so that's what we're doing, the best coach. I'm going to try this. What do you think? That's good. What were Harry's bad moments? Well, obviously, I think the£80 million move to Man United, especially when Virgil just down the road at Liverpool went for 75.

3:34You know, and let's face it, he hit the ground running. I think he scored his debut against Everton in the Cup or something. And, you know, obviously, Ari at Manchester United for me alongside Real Madrid he's the biggest clubs in the world and the most expensive player in the world that must have had some bearing on something I can't wait to speak to him to say can you just tell me about when that happened, you signed and did you realise the enormity of the football club that you've just joined we all know how big Man United are but when you're in the eye of the storm like he was and then we saw you saw the memes all the foolishness that came you know what I mean I want to talk to him about that how he kept going and what kept him going who kept him going yeah I think you turn to your coaches you turn to your your family for support good friends as well really good friends so they're the people that you can turn to when you're going through tough times I think everyone in everyone's career whether it's professionally or as a young boy will have gone through testing times it's just part of the journey it's part of being resilient and getting through those times and making sure that you can handle the good with the bad because I think that's so important in football For him to come through like he did from Sheffield then to Hull, then Leicester then United, got himself in the England side became a linchpin in the team 2018, you know, 22 a linchpin in the team and for me, even in the Euro finals against Italy still scored the best penalty I've ever seen in a penalty shootout against Italy the ball turns square so it can go into the top corner so we're talking about a real top class player and you know something I'd be interested, I'm wondering if he can squeeze in when you look at what the options are at the moment, is John Stone's going to be there and Mark Gaye will probably be there he's got Dan Byrne Ezri Consa is there room for Harry?

5:40I think there can be room for Harry Maguire both boxes we know how how dangerous he can be we saw that with that goal he scored against Liverpool the 2-1 goal I was really quite pleased for him if I'm going to be totally honest because he's somebody that you kind of want to fight for because he he comes out he faces the media very honest bloke lovely bloke and you just want to see him do well you know so I'm really pleased I got the interview you know because he's somebody that I admire. I admire his journey. That's clean, eh? That's clean. You know what? I didn't even realise. I just looked at myself and went, whoa, that's really clean.

6:24It's not bad. Can't wait to see him again. I haven't seen him for a few months, actually, since I've not been in the England squad recently. he's always on the England game so I always get to see him when we play I've seen him at Wembley last time I played a couple of months ago but no looking forward to seeing him tell you what that's some shake that how important are role models in everyone's life as well well the thing with role models is that what you want to do is you want to like me I've had some unbelievable role models in my in my life and what I've tried to do with them is take the best from them you know It's not just what they say to you, it's what they visually give you as well.

7:08What you see, when you see it, you can be it. When you look at it, and especially, like I say, with the role models I've had and the people I've seen, the people I've met, other people's role models who you've met, these are the people, these are the best a man can get. I've just done that.

7:41Do you know what? I've always said I think Arsenal will win it since January but I must say City's put an unbelievable run together and they're looking strong. It's going to be a great finish. It's great for the neutrals, I'm sure it's tense for the likes of Ian. I'm sure he's a bit nervous now. I'm not in no rush. You know, if you're going to be in Manchester, you might have been in Manchester on a sunny day, yeah? I ain't got a clue where I'm going. Is it that one there? I ain't got a clue. Is that one way? No, I missed the turning.

8:19Oh, it's a yes. You know, footballers are on football the time. That's what happens. I'm sure I did it. Then you come in and you go, hey, everybody, how you doing? And everybody's acting like they love you, but you've been keeping them around for an hour. Yeah, they're really good. Oh, brilliant. Thanks a lot. Keeping people waiting for hours. Cheers, Harry. Nice to see you. There's always something. There's always something. I ain't bothered. Don't bother me.

8:51Hello. Harry. How are you? My guy. You OK? Good to see you. Right here, give me Vex because I'm hugging another person. How you doing, you good? All good. Nice to see you. Yeah, I'm very good. Have you got a cup of tea? You want one? We'll get you one. How's it going, H? All good. Really good to see you. So long. So long, bro. I haven't seen you, man. Looking forward to it. How did you deal with that? And where did resilience come to deal with that rubbish? From Harry's point of view, it didn't faze him. But from us as a family, it was hard. We were just sat there thinking, what's he done wrong?

9:28You're talking Man United, you're the captain and then they're taking the captaincy off you. How did you take that age? What was that like? For Eric, it was the right decision. I didn't feel like his captain. I just didn't feel important to him. As soon as Harry's played a game now, I'm the first one to text him. He is blunt on text. I can be seen with Texas. That was rubbish. Three weeks after that game, we got a letter through the post from Sir Alex and it basically said to Harry, you carry on doing what you're doing and you'll make it a good level at football. Trent were getting quite a lot sick about his defending.

10:00And I was thinking, I hope Trent plays well here today. The header against Liverpool, the winner, was... Honestly, you'd have thought that I'm on a Maguire, bro, because I really celebrated that. At Man United, you can't be up, down, up, down, so emotionally. Just stay so level-headed, so focused. There's a feeling in your gut you have to try and suppress. It's so mean, it's so horrible. I had to stop watching. Tournaments now, they're built on moments. we've got Harry, Jude, Bakayo these boys can create moments from anything we've got a finish on England obviously the World Cup I believe you'll go do you think you'll go H?

10:38what are you thinking about the league now? you know what H I was saying the other day you've always been so positive though haven't you? yeah but the thing is I've been positive but the other week they thought I was too negative because and I weren't negative it was just that the fan in me was just like worried about where we're going to find this form that's going to all of a sudden not only beat City, but then carry on beating the other teams. And against City the other day, Eze, Havertz and Odegaard, I thought they created enough. We should have scored. Yeah, you should have scored. You know what I mean?

11:07You know what I mean? So when you see that, I was saying, listen, I just want something to hold on to. Just give me something. And they did. They had done it in that game. Because if we play the rest of the teams with that same energy, that same... You've got a nice running, haven't you? Yeah, we should. It's a nice running. but when you lose to Southampton the Cup then you lose to Bournemouth you start to think oh my gosh it's happening again this is the first season on the spin well this is the fourth season on the spin is it going to happen again so that's where the Arsenal fans are at the moment it is tough you played both I played both honestly I always thought Arsenal was the better team when we played them just because they give you nothing they give you they were so solid we beat you at the Emirates but we didn't create much and we scored two worldies yeah they scored two worldies you know what you say it though we played well that day but we didn't actually create too much inside the box you defend the box yeah but that was that was the game where we saw the kind of mistakes especially especially with Zubimendi who was playing brilliantly up to that point and then that's the first time we saw that kind of mistake and we were like well where's that come from and then obviously Mbwemo scored But then, you know, that goal, what he scored, it was just a fantastic goal.

12:26I mean, Doggoos was a joke. Oh, Doggoos was fantastic on the edge of the box. And if you're going to get beaten... You don't mind getting beaten. You don't get beaten because then you know. I always thought you'd have enough. I still think you'll have enough. Are you saying that you're being nice? No, I do. You do think we've got enough? I still think they're going to be twitching. Did you see us the other day? I thought you played all right the other day. Yeah. I thought it could have gone. you had chances didn't you they had a couple obviously Erling's it's just the one chance he had and just finished it off that's what he is he's so clinic you can't you can't literally switch off again he's so good nice as Michael Carrick as my guy you know the first time I met Michael was obviously I went to West Ham 99 and Michael was him and Joe Cole were in the youth team that's the first time I met you know when I spoke to him and I used to speak to him is exactly the same as he is now, as he is then.

13:22What's he like in the dressing room? Does he ever raise his voice? Is he just chill? No, he's so chilled. I think he does raise his voice. He raised his voice when we were rubbish against Newcastle, I can remember he wasn't happy that day. But I think the biggest attribute he has, even when we win, he's not like, at Man United, you can't be up, down, up, down so emotionally. He just stays so level-headed, so focused. But he speaks so well. Man management's really, really good. And tactically, we're very good. He's obviously bringing Stevens really good. And the results have been... Because things have obviously changed.

14:05Obviously, you know, your man's left, Cameron's left. Thank you very much. What did he do? Because it felt like an instant kind of, like, change, Harry. Just the persona, everybody just felt like that. Did he have a nice chat with you guys? Did he just relax? He is so good at speaking in front of people and the players and motivating. He had a good chat, yeah. The first meeting was really good. But listen, the first two games we beat City and Arsenal, it's like straight away everyone starts. They're so important, the first two. When he took the job on with those first two games, it's bravery, really.

14:45It's a massive two games. Because if you lose those two games, what everyone expected him to lose straight away. You know it's like an interim manager. They're jumping straight on him, everyone. But to win those and then everyone bought into it and they believed that he was doing the right things. Yeah, we've performed really, really well. I mean, we lost at home to Leeds, which was really poor. And we lost away at Newcastle. Apart from that, we've played well in every game. And you feel good the way the season's ending. What are you expecting? What do you think would be good for Man Utd at the end of the season?

15:15and obviously finishing in the top four would be unbelievable, especially the way the season's gone. But would that be success? Would you be happy for that so that you could kick on again? Yeah, definitely. I think from where we was last season, listen, we finished 15th. So to be 15th now and sat third in the table, I think it's a huge jumper. I mean, the points tell you what we've won miles more than what we had last season already. I think obviously playing one game a week has helped us a lot. Obviously, not in Europe, it's massive. It's relentless now. I mean, the Arsenal has what they've played this year.

15:45in the city, lads. It's just... It's a lot. It's a lot. I mean, when you get to prepare a full week for a game, it does help a lot. Yes. It helps a lot. So that has helped us a lot, but you've still got to win the games. And we've done that recently. And since Michael's come in, it's been... You're looking good. Training good. Everything going well. All good. You feel confident? Yeah, I feel good, obviously. I've been suspended the last couple of games. Back in now. I've had a chill. Yeah. Five games to go. Looking forward to it. Nice. That is lovely. Good start. Yeah, because he was saying, yeah, but Harry might not speak.

16:19He might be shy. I said, I was worried about you, Ian. You're not going to get the best hand. I feel shy myself. You know what I was trying to say? You know when, you know, like Cosby said, I haven't seen you for a while because Harry's one of the people when you're at the side. Because it's really weird because when you're doing the games, England, you always look for someone to see who smiles at you. Harry always smile. Harry always gave me some love, bro, always. So, Harry, you know we're here for your, best coach who was the one that had the most influence on your career up to this point the person you turned to so who was that so I've had some amazing coaches throughout my career but probably the most influential person on my career is my dad and funnily enough he was my first coach when I was 7 and 8 years old he was the manager of the Sunday league team I played the year above because my brother is a year above me and I've always played him I've actually played him the year above all the way through until I was 16 and my dad was the manager of the Sunday league team so he's been my biggest critic throughout my career Right He played himself didn't he?

17:30Yeah he played non-leagues he talks a good game he still says he's miles better than me at heading the ball It's funny my brother used to do that to me he always used to say I'm much better than you my left foot's much better than you He says every game he's like why are you starting at the front post from corners? Go to the back, drift in. He's giving me all these tips. When he was younger, you do all that as well? He'd still do it now. Would he? He'd text me after the game. What are you doing with him at the front post? Shall we get him in? Yes, let's get him in. Where's Alan Maguire? Sharon Alan Maguire, please.

18:06My Best Coach. Brought to you by Gillette.

18:14Immersing yourself in all things soccer ahead of this summer's World Cup? I'm Alex Abnos, senior sports editor from The Guardian. Whether you're a soccer beginner or you know the game inside and out, we've got you covered. From one of the fastest-growing soccer newsrooms, The Guardian brings you in-depth World Cup coverage that gets into the winners and losers on and off the pitch. Read, watch, and listen as our journalists connect the dots between the games, the cultures, and this political moment. We'll have daily newsletters throughout the tournament, a global perspective, and a squad of Americans, including me, on the ground with the U.S.

18:46national team. Plus, if you want to test your soccer knowledge, try On The Ball. It's a game in the Guardian app, and it's really, really fun. And if you're into stuff like this... Well, I think the problem is if you give footballers an inch, they will take a mile. Is it too much when it's this close? It's a bit much. It's a bit too real. Maybe you could just talk with a slight delay. Be sure to listen to our Football Weekly podcast for on-the-move expert analysis. The Guardian, bringing you the whole picture on soccer. Search Guardian Soccer for more.

19:16Is it Alan McGuire? It is the best coach. Come in, big man. It is the best coach ever, mate. Big man. Another. A hi-ho. I think that's so much all your work at all. Was it? Yes. Yes. And we were talking about the best coach. Yeah. And Ari said he was his best coach, not just to use his first. I said most influential. Most influential. He says you're still teasing about stuff. What kind of player was you? What kind of player was you? Was you a midfielder? Centre-off. Centre-off? Centre-off. When did you start as? I started as a midfielder. Yeah, yeah. He started as a midfielder. I was a midfielder until 16.

19:52Is he? Yeah, yeah. Basically, he started as playing with me. I used to either play him centre-midfield or up front. He could score a goal when he was younger. Six, seven-year-old. but he played with his brother, older age group. So he was playing under sevens when he was five. And then we moved up to eights. And then after eights, he thought he was... Telling a short story. We had to register them as same day of birth. Is it? Yeah. Twins? Did you have to do that so they could play together? Everybody thought they were twins. The same size and over. Yeah, yeah. So basically, that's why he played at under sevens, under eight.

20:40Right. Because everybody we played against thought they were twins. And you were manager of the team as well? I was manager of the team. So your brother, what's your brother's name? Joe. So Joe, is Joe a good player? Was he a good player as well? He went with... After under eight, we went from... Barnsley came in for both Harry and Joe. Right. So they went to Academy at Barnsley first. and they had one season at Barnsley then I think Sheff United paid a fee for both Harry and George to come back to Sheff United and are you Sheff United fans? No Who did you spoke? I'm Wednesday You're Wednesday?

21:18He is He's always been Wednesday Yeah Wednesday My wife's United My mum's a big United fan So that must have been something they wanted to buy your boys into the Yeah I don't know what fee it were minimum fee yeah but still they're buying them that means they're saying something Barnsley what happened was Barnsley were an academy but then were going to a school of excellence so basically at that stage they said look we're going down to a school of excellence so Chef United like came for both Harry and Joe so when did you see that so you being his manager when did you see that like Harry was because like obviously with my boy Sean and I'm watching him and I'm thinking well he's a little bit better and he looks sharper he's quite good when did you see in Harry how old was Harry when you saw he looks a lot better than average I'm biased because I'm his dad but that's the thing I went the other way I used to actually go the other way but ultimately I think when he started I thought it was going to make a pro is when they played Man United in the UF Cup final what position did he play in it?

22:30He would have gone back to centre back then. That was when he was 17. 16, 17. He played at Bramallet and Drew Toole. And the likes of Pogba, Lingard, Keane Brothers, Tunny Cliff. I think Andy Coleson was... John Coffey. Midfielder. Ravel. Morrison. so he played at Bramall Lane and he was highest attendance at 29 ,800 and that's when I thought that he could handle it so Harry so that academy when I talk about Oxen I'll disrespect him it's not like an elite academy but did you always feel that you was going to you could get through there was it always something you think I'm going to get into this first team Do you know what?

23:30It probably wasn't. Was you a confident player? Yeah, I was a confident player. I had good belief, but I'd probably say I grew more belief when I was in the first team and started to get around the lads. I feel when you're like 15, 16, you feel like it's quite a big gap away. Yeah, like men. Yeah, it's like you look at them and you think they're like so far away from you. We were a bit separated. It's crazy how quick it turns and then you just get put in. I always felt the same. Obviously, I was 22 at the time. but like when you started training with them you think well I feel as good as these look yeah that's the first thing like when you start training with them and the lads were amazing with me at Sheffield when I started I can remember some of the lads saying where's he been like and that gives you that confidence straight away and I'm thinking how's he saying that about me and they're all going where's he been all season at the time it was like six games to go in the season and we were bottom of the league in the championship so I got thrown in with them so they give you the great belief that the boys I think it's so important that you get a good group of senior pros who help youngsters along it's so important did you go down that season yeah we were down so then the next season did you start the season did you play so I started the first game of the season I scored in the opening day away at Oldham never forget that really what was it header or what was it header of the back pros so I scored that day and then I just kicked on and played every game that season and got the player of the season.

25:00So, yeah, but I was 17, 18 years, I was making mistakes, but Danny Wilson was the manager and he just played me. If I made a mistake, he just played me. I think it helped me so much. I mean, I look at some of the centre-backs at Man United now, like Benny Yorow and Aidan Evans. You feel like there's no room. There's no room. They're learning at Old Trafford. The hardest position and the hardest scrutiny and it's tough. and they're both going to be amazing players because they have all the attributes. I think they're both going to be top, top class players. But the learning on the job, it is tough to do that.

25:34Whereas I was learning in League One and the eyes were off it and I felt at the moment it was a big pressure, but it's totally different to how they're experiencing. What was it like watching him then? Was you really nervous for him? I think when he played that Youth Cup final, you played second leg, didn't you, at Old Trafford? they drew to all at Bramall Lane then they lost 4-1 at Old Trafford and unfortunately I think about 55 minutes got knocked out so just Ravel Morrison just clipped back in my head I was gone I was straight to hospital yeah I mean we wouldn't stand me and Zoe his mum and cut a long story short we had to get rided through he was still out on in changing room still knocked out when his mother got there but one of the things about that game is what made me think that he's got a chance here is that he was up against some real real top players and they were renowned at that time that Man United group were renowned for beating teams easily and he just just handled it and then three weeks after that game And another thing that I don't think Harry's mentioned it, but we got a letter through the post from Sir Alex and it basically said to Harry, you carry on doing what you're doing and you'll make it a good level at football.

27:06And I think that were another thing that pushed him on. Made you believe. Made us believe that it's possible that he could make it as a footballer. With Harry as well, because he's technically a very good footballer. I remember when I was doing my year, I'd done a year coaching at MK Dons, made me realise I don't want to be a coach. But I remember we played against Sheffield and you was a major part of the analysis. Because you'd get the ball at the back, I remember watching it, and you'd go through and then the crowd would start going, and you'd go all the way through. I remember Carl Robinson was saying, you've got to watch him if he starts coming through.

27:49Is that something that you made sure that he was doing when he was younger? Just express yourself and go through? Well, when he was younger as a centre midfielder, he was doing that naturally because he's... That type of position, you're receiving the ball, you're distributing the ball, you're comfortable on the ball. So as soon as he got to 15, 16, when he had a growth spurt and really went 15, 16, they moved him back to centre half. He could see everything in front of him. and even from playing 15, 16-year-old, from playing in front of him, it were a breezing park for him at youth team level.

28:28He was driving through and bringing the ball out, so he had more time to bring the ball out, whereas when he was playing centre midfield, there were players on him a lot quicker. A lot quicker, yeah. So ultimately, it made his game even better going back into a centre-off position. He's a big lad as well, so he could win a ball. So, yeah, it worked for him when he was younger, when he was playing centre midfield. But as soon as he got to six foot, six foot one. But was you somebody that wanted him to express himself? Because when I see Harry playing, if I'm a striker, I know that he's somebody he would look for me older.

29:05He's always progressive. It's not like negative. I think that's another thing with England, is Harry can break them lines from a centre back. He's confident in actually getting that ball and breaking the line into a striker's path, into feet. And that's the difference between my year. It was head it, kick it, tackle. I couldn't distribute, but I could play as a centre-half in the old school. I couldn't play like he could play. But that's what brought him on, I think, playing centre midfield as a younger, youngster. Getting comfortable on the ball and everything. Comfortable on the ball. Was there any time when he was growing up there, you'd think like...

29:54When I was looking after him at six and seven, it's hard. Yes. Especially being your son and everything. The youngsters, aren't they? They're learning. So to give him advice, yes, you can give him advice, but it goes in one ear and a half at that age. It's like my grandson, he started now, his brother's lad. and I'll take him to Sheffield Wednesday he plays under nines and he's learning I bet he's quite confident he's learning the game and I don't think anybody can say that somebody at seven year old is going to make a footballer at that age I think it's when they get to that age of when it's time 14, 15, 16 when they go through puberty and get to the stage where they grow and make decisions, right decisions, they'll go to bet at the right time.

30:49And make mistakes. Yeah. Being able to make mistakes. Of course, yeah. I think part of football is making mistakes and dealing with, I think, like my dad said, you have exceptions where you can tell from a young age they're going to be good, but generally when I look through my youth teams and things, the best players at seven, eight, nine-year-olds were nowhere to be seen at 14, 15, 16, so it's like it is tough it's a tough job being a young players coach picking things how they're going to develop and who's going to be the best players and who to keep hold of it must be tough you hear loads make bad decisions don't you let players go I think Declan Rice got let go got let go got let go at Chelsea that's what I mean he's one of the best players in the world so it is tough for them it's a tough it's a tough school My Best Coach, brought to you by Gillette.

31:48I remember my teacher said to me, Mr Pigdon, he said, be courteous to people and have manners. You know, that kind of advice. I'm talking about role model advice where, you know what I mean, make sure, you know, being a player that was quite a quick player, left foot, right foot, make sure you can, make sure you help your teammates because they're not as good. So you've got to pass to them as well. Did you ever have to give Ari that kind of advice? I think with Harry when he was younger, because I only dealt with him from, like, I'm saying, six, seven, up to eight-year-old, it was more of an encouraging base.

32:22Keep going. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Because that age, they're learning. It's not a stage where you can... Now, if Harry rings me up, someone's Harry's played a game now, I'm the first one to text him. Right. Yeah? Are you worried? He is blunt on texting. I can receive a text saying, that was Paul. Wait a minute, Al. So is he doing that while you're playing, so when you come off, you see him? First text, and we've just been beat, I know he's just going to go. That was rubbish. What I was saying about we youngsters, and it's like my grandson, it's like when Harry and Joe were younger, and Loz as well, because Loz played at Academy, and my daughter played football as well, she were at Sheffield United.

33:05So at that age, it's very hard to give him constructive criticism as such because they're not old enough. It's not old enough, yeah. It's not about enjoyment. It's all about getting out and wanting to play football. I think that's what probably can build resilience. We'll probably get onto that later on, but the fact that you can just go and play and make mistakes and learn from the mistakes is probably, like I say with Sean, I didn't tell him anything. I just left him. When I used to pick him up from the game, watch him from afar, when they got in the car, him and Bradley, I would just say, do you enjoy the game?

33:39Did you pass to your teammates? You know what I mean? Bam, that was it. I didn't get too deep into it. Obviously, once he started playing professionally, you know, you start saying things. I remember there was one time he fell out for a couple of years because I thought that he wasn't doing the things that he got bought for when he went to Chelsea. But other than that, you know what I mean? I tried to just leave him alone and let them play, let them make the mistakes and let them get on with it. Did you get nervous watching? Couldn't watch him. It was tough. I remember I had to stop going to Chelsea.

34:08Because obviously him going there for 21 million at the time, you know, it was a massive amount of money from Manchester City. And, you know what I mean? He hardly made a team. It was with Mourinho. So he's in the team and he's out the team. And I'd go there and then, you know what I mean? You'd be watching and there'd be, you'd get a cross wrong or you'd lose the ball. It's so hard to watch. And they know that you're there. So they're shouting things that they know that you're going to pick up on and to want to see if you react. So I had to stop in the end. I'd stopped going there because I knew obviously being Arsenal as well and so it was really and to the point I don't know how you felt when you've been in the crowds when things have happened but there's a gut there's a feeling in your gut that you have to try and suppress because you you know for one you want to kill someone you want to sort this out because it's so mean it's so horrible I had to stop watching I had to stop going it is so like I watched my brother Loz plays at MK Don's so he's played League 2 League 1 I can remember I can remember when I went and watched him at Chesterfield I went and watched him at Chesterfield and I think they were 3-1 down at half time and these people in front of us were going that Maguire needs to get off the pitch he's rubbish he needs to get off the pitch anyway second half he scored winner they won 4-3 and I can remember my mate at the side and we tapped him on the shoulder and he went that Maguire did alright I know but you want to get those moments but sometimes you don't get them Well, you're not going to get them generally, are you?

35:35You get the negativity more. And this is where I say you build a resilience. And I have to say, like, to Sean, because he was so small, you know, I mean, obviously, I was dying from a growth spurt. It didn't happen. But, like, he was so small and he got teased so much that he kind of built up a kind of resilience. You know what I mean? Which we'll talk about with you in a sec. But, like, when you move to Hull and Steve Bruce, what was the progression there how did you find that yeah so it was a tough to start with because I moved to Hull and they was in Europa League so they qualified for the Europa League because they played in the FA Cup final and Arsenal beat it it was Arsenal beat it I'm sure it was yeah yeah I think they went two in a little while they overtook the lead so the year after I signed for Hull and they was in the Europa League so Steve built this big squad that had to deal with the Europa League and we got knocked out in the qualifying stages.

36:35Locker. I don't know. I think we might have beat them and then someone else, but we got knocked out in the quad. So we ended up having this squad of like 25 men and obviously only in the Premier League. So the first six months I didn't play hardly at all, did I? And I ended up going on loan to Wigan. Wigan, yeah. Went on loan to Wigan, the manager with Malky Mackay. They were pretty much down at the time in the championship. So I just went there and I just played. I just enjoyed my football I knew if I went and played every game then I'd have options the following year if I had to go on loan again but Hull ended up going down and then it was in the championship so it ended up being smooth from there because I started to play in the championship then we got promoted to the Premier League Steve actually left that year when we got promoted and Marco Silva come in and he was a mate Mick Feely was in first yeah Mick Feely was in because you played I read something you played something like you played 100 games before you were 20 yes I played a lot of games they was all at Sheffield United so from 17, 18, 19 I played three full seasons at Sheffield United how did you find that?

37:36I found it really really good I loved my time at Sheffield United but like I say I was still a young boy learning the game and making mistakes Neil Collins was good at science Neil Collins was my centre half partner and he was so good he helped me along so much he was an experienced pro Danny Wilson the manager like I said it was amazing that I was I could make a mistake and then I just played unbelievable and like you know it's like you lose a couple of games and then they just they want to put a senior player in don't they and they didn't do that no Danny Wilson just kept playing and was there people they could have put in yeah definitely there was times but that's why it's so hard for these young boys playing at centre half because they can't you can't get away with it you make one mistake you get killed for months so it's it's tough for them but they'll learn they'll get resilient from it it's just that you've got to give them time and in and out of the team is what they'll do and they'll they're both like I say I speak about Aiden and Lenny at Man United they're both going to have top careers I know that for sure it's just they've got to be resilient during this period Was it nice at home?

38:39You obviously go to all the games now Yeah So at this stage now Harry are you feeling about how your career's progressing are you feeling because you go for one team then you get loaned out then you go for that team they go down they come back to this team how are you feeling it's going what are you thinking? Yeah so But at that time, it was quite, obviously, I got relegated. I ended up getting two relegations on my CV because all got relegated that year. I didn't play a game for him, but he went on my CV. And then Wigan got relegated as well. So, double whammy. But no, then we got promoted. We were winning the playoff final against Chef Wednesday.

39:15Modi Army scored a great goal. Then the next season, Marco come in and I played every game for Hull. And I was playing alongside Michael Dawson a lot. And he helped me out loads. he gave me so much confidence to feel like I was a top Premier League player because he would tell me I would ask him I can remember asking him in training once during the back end of that season I had a really good season at all and I can remember asking him who do you think is the best centre back in the Premier League at the time and he said I think you're right up there seriously and I was playing we were third bottom in the Premier League and I'm like well that's not really possible but he's played with these players and I'm thinking I mean, wow, like, I thought, because at that time, you're still in awe of all these centre-backs.

39:58I don't know any of them. Who would you say were the centre-backs you looked at and thought, wow, he's really good. That guy I'm looking at, he's brilliant. Yeah, when I was growing up, it was always Rio and John Terry. Right. They were the two. I love watching England, I love sporting England. I always, I loved Frank Lampard growing up. David Beckham and then when I got to a centre-back it was always Rio and John Terry they were the ones but yeah it does help me out so much during that period that it just gave me the belief and when someone like that who's played at Tottenham for all those years with all the big centre-backs so he knows what it's like to be a top centre-back so yeah he gave me so much belief My Best Coach brought to you by Gillette

40:48So when Leicester happens how much was Leicester was it two and a half what was it to go to Leicester how much did you they paid like 13 was it 13 it was it two and a half was it Hull Hull paid two and a half Leicester paid back 13 so when that happens because that's kind of a big whack yeah so what are you thinking wow that's a lot they weighed out on me there yeah at the time obviously Hull got relegated so I knew that that summer I was going to leave I think I there was Spurs were there yeah there was a lot there was a few around yeah Spurs were there I think Stoke were in the Premier League Mark Hughes Mark Hughes what Mark at Stoke I'm sure yeah he would have been yeah he was yeah so no it was Leicester I just thought Leicester was a good choice for me it was an amazing club real family club and another great I didn't want to say stepping stone because I don't want to use them as that no but they were you've got to say how it is you know what I mean but no it was amazing I really enjoyed my time there I played funny enough everyone thinks of me and thinks about that I've played a lot of my career I was only at Leicester for two years Did you play regularly though?

41:55Yeah I played every game for two years I think we finished seventh and eighth a couple of years it wasn't but I really enjoyed it after the first year I was really close to joining Manchester United after the first year because it was Russia Russia World Cup 2018 after my first year and I can remember Jose was the manager at Manchester United and he was desperate to get it done but the owner said to me look I signed for you a year ago if you give me one more year I promise you you can go the year after and did you feel like at the time you was playing the kind of football because I remember your name was around with all the linked with all these with these clubs especially United I think you started to hear about the United so so we're talking what you're there two years and then and then and then yeah then it happens yeah I think 80 million H I know yeah it's crazy really what did you think when you heard like oh my gosh boy he's going for 80 million 80 bags I think it were it were United or City weren't it yeah they both strange both and I've always been United I thought your I thought your missus was United I thought you Man United right but at that stage I think he'd already made his mind up because Man United the previous year had been in for him yes I wanted to take him previous year so I mean that's my second team Man United so when he signed for Man United it was a dream for the transfer fee is funny though because at the time I didn't think about it I didn't think about it at all do you know what I mean I didn't even look it I didn't look it at all no but it's funny because I was speaking to the guy just before we were just chatting about transfer fee I remember leaving leaving Palace and it was like two and a half million and I was watching the TV and I was petrified because I was watching the TV and they were doing the Vox Pops going around Arsenal they went around Isling and asking about signing this player and they said we don't need him what are we signing for and I'm worried about the money because I think Alan Shearer went for 3.5.

43:52I think Roy Keane was 3.750 or something. So it was that kind of money. I'd only started getting paid like five years earlier playing football, you know, five, six. So all of a sudden I'm watching this and I'm absolutely petrified. So that's what I was thinking. For you to be going for 80 and like you weren't bothered about it and you were, how did you get through it? Because obviously Virgil went for 75 and then people were doing the comparisons. But how did you get through that period there, H? Yeah, honestly, I don't know. He just never fazed me. And to be honest, I don't really worry about anything.

44:28I think he's a good trait to have in mind what happened through. I get that impression today. Yeah, I'm so laid back. I don't get phased by much. And the transfer period, at the time, I didn't think of anything of it. And obviously, Virg went at the time and he took Liverpool to another. level he's been unbelievable for them um so yeah it's more when you when i look back now at the transfer fee and i'm like wow what's gone off there you know i mean like what it's more when you look back at this stage your career but um but no at the time i just went i i couldn't wait to get going i was in a great place great headspace and yeah the first i thought like i made a massive difference in those first two years it went it went so well for me but you only really get the plaudits when you play for a club like Man United when you win big trophies and we was never going to win trophies in the first couple of years I think we finished we finished seventh the season before our sign then we finished third and then second and then we thought here we go and it just never worked we signed Ronaldo, Varane and Sancho in that summer after finishing second and it was just a disaster season from start to finish that and it's, yeah, that was the bad moment, really.

45:43You say the bad moment, but, like, you must have seen some of the things and everything that was going around, the memes and all that. How did you deal with that when all the bollocks that was being written, all the shit from everyone, roundly, you know, the memes to the point where, I remember I was saying things to people, but it seemed like it got out of control. How did you deal with that? And where did the resilience come to deal with that rubbish? from Harry's point of view I mean it didn't faze him but from us as a family it was odd erm I think I think my wife put a statement out the final straw for me and Zoe was we went to England away Scotland and we were sat in the stand and every you come on second half I think it was or come on half time and every time Mary touched the ball they cheered all the Scottish not the English I remember it and like we were just sat there thinking what's he done wrong and that was the time that I thought we come out of that ground we've got a car we've got a car and my wife so I just said this is ridiculous I'm just going to she's going to do something yeah have to put something out and she did but from Harry's point of view he just didn't really bother him.

47:10No, because it didn't affect you. I watched you play in games. It didn't stop you from trying to pass balls through lines, trying to not clip balls in, trying to make chances. Where's that resilience come from, H? I know you're saying you've got that demeanour, that confidence and you kind of like things just wash over you, but where's that come from? Because honestly, I was watching it and it's horrible to read, horrible to see. Yeah. No, I've always said it was a lot harder for my family than myself. They were constantly reading everything, people probably asking how they are, how Abby is. I didn't read too much, but you can't get away from it, there's no doubt about it.

47:49You do read little bits and bobs. But like I said, I really don't worry about anything. I'm not fazed by anything. How? I don't really know where it's come from. It's quite hard to put a thing on. I think I was a little bit naive. I think it helped me that I was so naive because I was the captain of Manchester United and we were having a real bad season and I just thought it was a bit normal for this to happen because of the start, Satchel, Rukabla, everything and I was really naive to that oh you're the captain, it's going to come down this is the reason they're doing it but I just thought it was normal it was only when I looked back a couple of years later or a year later when I think it was a bit It was over the top.

48:34Yeah, it was over the top. It just got to a point where it just become... Social media was getting massive. It was all for clicks. It was a bit like... And they were used... Everyone, there was accounts there that used me just every week. It was just relentless. So it helped me that I was so naive at the time that I thought that it was pretty normal that to happen to a Manchester United captain when the team isn't performing. So that did help me along the way. But yeah, like I say, It definitely was harder for my family. And like I say, I went and watched my brother play for MK Dons in the play-off final at Wembley.

49:11And I was more nervous watching him play the final at Wembley than I was playing in the Euros final myself. So, Adam, when you're watching him in this time, are you nervous for every touch? Are you nervous for everything? You stopped going to away games, though, didn't you? You couldn't really go to... Yeah, we couldn't go... If he went to an away end, I just couldn't... if there were anything happened, one little touch of the ball might pass it out or one thing wrong. And we stopped going. But we still go... I've been following England, always go England away. England's always been amazing, though, even with the fans that have always been...

49:48They support, they support, they're great support. But we found it tough as a family because we thought it was undue criticism. We just thought that every little thing you did be wrong it was just i like to the highest extent in that time with um with all that happening knowing what's going on with um all the memes and all the gifts and all the shit how did you do what was you doing in your mind to make you just like focus on that because we're talking about every every misplaced pass anything you know yeah i think like you said before that you was you was Nervous watching me. That was the only thing, what I felt, was probably the toughest part because I knew that people was watching, like praying that I don't do anything wrong that game because everything I did, it just escalated.

50:38Even if I was near the ball when a goal went in the back of the net, it was like, your fault. And that's the only thing what I'd say, what I found tough, is because I knew that all my fans, even like you say, you watching. It's horrible to what? I can remember a couple of years before something happened, And Trent were getting quite a lot sick about his defending. I think I was at Leicester at the time. And I was thinking, God, I hope Trent plays well here today. And that is the feeling. I was feeling I was playing, but I knew that people who knew me and wanted me to do well were nervous watching.

51:13That was the toughest part probably. But I've always had great belief in my ability. And that is what's got me through it in the end. I felt like that's what, I always knew what level I should be playing at and I always felt it was the top level. So I've also had great coaches who believed the same. Obviously Gareth Southgate at the time was massive with me. He just stuck with me. He just said, look, you're one of our best centre-halves, so you're going to be playing, so ignore the noise, it'll go away. And he was just brilliant with me. My players, my teammates, I mean, you get a feeling of how your teammates appreciate you and what they even when like for example if you're not playing in a game or you're suspended and you get lads big senior lads coming up to you saying we need you today and you get that feeling that you belong there and you're an important player and those are the bits that kept me believing that it'll turn it'll turn it was a tough six months to pass because it was relentless you know what I was going to say to you as well the captaincy you know getting the captaincy like what was that like because we're talking Man United you know it must have been something for you as well you're talking Man United you're the captain and then they they're taking the captaincy off you how did you take that what was that like in respects of when they called you in and say listen we're going to make him the captain how was that yeah it was I loved being the captain I thought I did we did an amazing job I was I can't remember the league position finishes when I was captain but it was it was progressing but To be honest, listen, it was Eric's decision.

52:52And the season before we finished third, we won the cup, and I was captain. But I didn't feel like his captain. And to be a captain of the club, you've got to have that relationship with the manager that you're the captain. And it drifted me a little bit apart. And I probably shouldn't have allowed it to let me drift apart a little bit, but I just didn't feel important to him. And when you don't feel important to him, you shouldn't be the captain of the club, I don't. think so for Eric it was the right decision because I wasn't his captain I wasn't Eric's So it wasn't something that burnt you deep because you didn't feel like it?

53:28The season before I didn't feel his captain I didn't feel that importance to him whereas under Oli I was driving the club forward like I was driving everything forward at the club that's why it was so disappointing the way it ended for Oli but yeah so no at the time it didn't really burn me that much at the time and obviously Bruno I've always said when I was captain, Bruno's a fantastic leader, he's a fantastic player we still, he's always asking for advice now and I was always asking him and we're both two big leaders really My best coach, brought to you by Gillette

54:09Immersing yourself in all things soccer ahead of this summer's World Cup I'm Alex Abnos, senior sports editor from The Guardian. Whether you're a soccer beginner or you know the game inside and out, we've got you covered. From one of the fastest growing soccer newsrooms, The Guardian brings you in-depth World Cup coverage that gets into the winners and losers on and off the pitch. Read, watch, and listen as our journalists connect the dots between the games, the cultures, and this political moment. We'll have daily newsletters throughout the tournament, a global perspective, and a squad of Americans, including me, on the ground with the U.S.

54:41national team. Plus, if you want to test your soccer knowledge, try On The Ball. It's a game in the Guardian app, and it's really, really fun. And if you're into stuff like this... Well, I think the problem is if you give footballers an inch, they will take a mile. Is it too much when it's this close? It's a bit much. It's a bit too real. Maybe you could just talk with a slight delay. Be sure to listen to our Football Weekly podcast for on-the-move expert analysis. The Guardian, bringing you the whole picture on soccer. Search Guardian Soccer for more. but now it's kind of it's come to a real kind of like full circle how obviously everything everything that's happened with Ammon he's moved on Michael's come in you're back in the team can I tell you that the the header against Liverpool the winner was honestly you'd have thought that I'm on a Maguire bro because like I really celebrated that for you know I mean I don't know I don't know H I've always had something because I know that there's something about you It's like I was telling the guys about the penalty, Italy, Euros.

55:40It's the best fucking, it's the best penalty I've ever seen. I said the ball, it actually went square, so it went into the top corner. I only saw it replayed. Did you see it? You didn't watch it in real life. Honestly, I watched it in real life. And it's one of those, Harry, because like, you know when the penalties are getting ready to be taken, the next person starts walking. And because you've got your Harry Maguire walk, it's very upright. It's very like, your facial expression doesn't move. It's like a Thunderbird name. And honestly, H, what was you thinking when you went and took that? Because you literally, it slammed, you slammed it in there.

56:15I was in such a good mindset in terms of where my career, like where I was in my position in football. And I'd had two amazing years at Manchester United. I played really, really well in the tournament. But yeah, it was such a tough summer. to lose that final to be honest I didn't handle it as well as I should have because the start of next season I didn't start to my level what was that, what happened? that's when I lost the Europa League final on penalties and then I lost the Euros final on penalties and I don't know it's something that I should have made me that little bit more hungrier and to go again but it hurt so much that final it just stays doesn't it it stays it was so hard to take I mean to win the Europe we should have beat Italy it just hurts it still hurts now yeah but now it's turned round you know you signed a new deal right yeah so I've got another year obviously did they just come and say we want to offer you another year they just come and pulled you yeah they were speaking in I think they started mentioning it in February that they wanted me to stay the following year so you know it's amazing I think the clubs getting to a place now where we should start now.

57:32It feels like it, unfortunately. It should. Honestly, we need to start signing a couple, I still believe we need a couple more players. Hopefully we'll get them in the summer and I'm not going to say we're going to jump up and start winning every trophy but it does feel like they're getting something around where it can start hopefully spirals and start sleep from everyone. I could feel something. I tell you when I felt it, when you lot beat us 3-2 at our place and scored some great goals. there, the guys scored some great goals but like the league needs a good Man United in it you know what I mean, because when I had to play against Man United, you beat a proper Man United team and I think that obviously Man City are doing what they're doing and they've been absolutely formidable we're trying to challenge them, Liverpool are trying to challenge them but it feels like whatever you say, it feels like Man United are coming back, can you feel that as well?

58:22Is that in the club right now, can they feel that in the club? Yeah, I think now they've got a good structure behind them, I think they've The hierarchy down, they've started to get a CEO, Omar and Jason, and they've got a big decision to make on the manager, obviously. Yes, of course. They need to get that right and they need to bring in a few players. But definitely we're getting a squad that I feel like can start to compete again in the Premier League. Like you say, Arsenal, City, United, Chelsea, Liverpool, you want the best versions. and yeah the last few years haven't been good enough really for a club of this stature hopefully it's ready to compete again and yeah I'm pleased to be part of it for at least another year we've got to finish on England obviously the World Cup I believe you'll go do you think you'll go H?

59:11you can't say can you? I'll say out would you think he's going? he should go because he should go I think he should go I think experience tells a tale I mean you've got to look at experience and I mean other week I don't know I just thought he was very good when he played against Japan yeah yeah I think it's let's see the manager will get the decision right I'm sure what do you think is he what's he like he seems there's an energy about him yeah he's got good energy he's trying to build something he's trying to build something a good feeling in the squad and it's gone well up to now obviously winning every game and qualifying but I think the World Cup is going to be an exciting World Cup I know you're going to be over there following us there's nothing better is there absolutely nothing absolutely nothing better this is why people say I get too excited but how can you not look at our team the calibre of players we've got you know you've got Harry Kane you know what I mean you've got Jude you've got yourself you've got Jordan who never lets us down there you know what I mean how can you look at that spine itself obviously Gaye probably is all well playing you know is it going to be Cole Palmer there's so many players Saka people say to you why are you getting so over the top oh here he goes again over the top when you look at that yourself when you see doesn't that match up to any other international side if you get the luck yeah I think like you say tournament football anything can happen can't it you've just got to be there you've got to be there and perform and let the result take tournaments now they're built on moments we have players who can take them we've got Harry, Jude, Bakayo these boys can create moments from anything so I think there's so many good squads I think the level of international football's gone up I do believe the last two, three years it's gone up the squads I mean look at Fran's squad, it's crazy but we're right up there and I think there's probably eight teams I feel who will go into the tournament thinking that here we go let's go as long as we're one of them I'm sure we're going to be one of them but it's going to be tough but we'll get excited so you need something H you've had some disappointments this is the one you've got to win the World Cup hopefully nice one fingers crossed take it easy thanks for coming here now thank you you've got a soul beat is it my chair is smaller or something it's not a smaller chair that's all I have

1:01:48Hey, you're in ridiculous nick. Sorry? You're in ridiculous nick.

1:01:55Bro, you've got to stay in nick, man. I can't be on TV as an expert all looking out of shape. Right, see, I love that. This is very good. I'm not even just saying that because I get one B. You know, fair enough, it's all about the dollar bills, yo. But this is a good product, man, this one. Look at that. Look at that, BJ. Look at that Pete. Better check the back for me, see if I missed. Middle top. Middle top? Yeah. No, back. There? There, down from there. There? Yeah. You know what happens? I've got a ridge in my head and it goes like that, so it goes up like that, then across, so it doesn't go up smooth.

1:02:34It's the peanut in there. This is the safest name. Pullman Jr. You should look at him, expert behind. Exactly. How's that looking? Good. Any other else? Do you mind for a touch of your head? Of course I don't mind. See, that's how my wife does it. And sort of neck down from there. There? Yeah. I'm just going to have to do it. Gillette! Can't help it.

1:03:08Right. I think we're done, aren't we now? feel it Ben go that way feel it that way oh fucking nice so no it's not beautiful yet if I wet shaved it it'd be really smooth it'd be like this yeah Dion Dublin honestly Dion Dion you know what Dion Dion jeez I don't want to be going too too much with the shaver because you're going to irritate it but like I felt Dion Dublin's head and it's like it's like Marvel it's like that smooth yeah it's like that smooth You know, so I'm going for the perfect shave.

1:04:11Abnos, senior sports editor from The Guardian. Whether you're a soccer beginner or you know the game inside and out, we've got you covered. From one of the fastest growing soccer newsrooms, The Guardian brings you in-depth World Cup coverage that gets into the winners and losers on and off the pitch. Read, watch, and listen as our journalists connect the dots between the games, the cultures, and this political moment. We'll have daily newsletters throughout the tournament, a global perspective, and a squad of Americans, including me, on the ground with the U.S. national team. Plus, if you want to test your soccer knowledge, try On The Ball.

1:04:42It's a game in the Guardian app, and it's really, really fun. And if you're into stuff like this... Well, I think the problem is if you give footballers an inch, they will take a mile. Is it too much when it's this close? It's a bit much. It's a bit too real. Maybe you could just talk with a slight delay. Be sure to listen to our Football Weekly podcast for on-the-move expert analysis. The Guardian, bringing you the whole picture on soccer. Search Guardian Soccer for more. Spring is packed, patios. Parties, wedding weekend. And RK Zero Proof keeps you in the mix without the morning after regret.

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