Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire has played against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City for years now.
The 31-year-old, who signed for United in 2019 has been on the receiving end of massive wins as well as losses in Manchester derbies.
For instance, when Manchester City destroyed Manchester United 4-1 in March 2022, Maguire was a part of the visitors’ backline at the Etihad Stadium on the day.
Jadon Sancho’s equaliser did not amount to much as both Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez scored a brace each in what was a dominant display from Pep Guardiola’s men.
However, the England international also started in the Red Devils’ unlikely 2-0 victory against the Sky Blues at Old Trafford in March 2020.
In that period, the former Hull City defender would have perhaps gained a newfound respect for how the Sky Blues play football.
At Leicester City, Maguire perhaps would have expected to witness his side losing to City, despite them being a quality side when he was at the King Power Stadium.
But form goes out of the window in a Manchester Derby and yet, more often than not, Pep Guardiola would set his side up to play their natural game and run riot in these games.
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Harry Maguire makes fresh claim about Kyle Walker
Maguire has also witnessed names such as Kyle Walker, John Stones, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips showcase the qualities they do at City in an England shirt.
As a result, the ex-Sheffield United colossus has also witnessed how top players like them train and play up close and personal.
It is known that under Gareth Southgate’s tenure, club rivalries were set aside for the purpose of the players coming together and helping the Three Lions be the best team possible.
This very factor would have also helped the FA Cup winner gain further respect for the City cohort.
Two players who Maguire has played alongside for England at several major tournaments are Walker and Stones.
When asked to build his perfect player in a video with GOAL via TikTok, Maguire picked the rapid right-back’s pace.
Maguire replied: “Kyle Walker”, when asked about picking a player’s speed.
Notably, the Carabao Cup winner had the chance to pick any player in the world’s pace he wishes to and he opted for the £175,000-a-week defender.
Harry Maguire has benefited from how quick Kyle Walker is
While Maguire has largely been impressive in an England shirt, over several major tournaments, opposition managers showed no hesitation in trying to hurt Southgate’s side on the break.
The former Manchester United captain’s pace has perhaps always been one of the chinks in his armour.
In such situations in high-stakes games, Walker would put his finest attribute to use and bail England out time and again.
The Manchester City right-back’s recovery pace in particular remains one of the best in recent memory.
When the likes of Maguire and his defensive partners were caught too far up the pitch, Walker’s presence was their insurance policy to get away with being incorrectly positioned during games.
As a result, he perhaps has a special appreciation for the speed at which the 34-year-old runs at due to how much it has helped him when representing his country at the highest level.
