Harry Maguire was back in action for Manchester United against Sheriff on Thursday (Picture: Getty Images)
Paul Scholes believes Manchester United fans will help Harry Maguire return to top form, after the defender made his return from injury in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Maguire came on at half-time at Old Trafford during the 3-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol, replacing Lisandro Martinez after a month out of action.
There were some boos heard when Maguire’s introduction was announced, but Scholes says the Red Devils faithful will get behind the centre-back as he looks to regain confidence and form.
Maguire was out of the United team before picking up an injury on England duty, but with Raphael Varane now out injured until the World Cup, he may well be given first team opportunities again.
The former United midfielder has called on fans to help him make the most of those opportunities, backing them to support their man.
‘He’s had a tough time and these fans will get behind him,’ said Scholes of the 29-year-old. ‘They realise how difficult the last year to 18 months have been for him.
‘We want him to get back to the player he is, the player he can be. That wasn’t a test tonight there will be bigger tests ahead if he plays next week, plays against West Ham.
‘That will be a true test for his form so fingers crossed he gets back to the Harry Maguire we all know.’
It was not a huge challenge for the England defender against the Moldovan side, but Erik ten Hag seemed satisfied with what he saw from Maguire.
‘I think after a couple of weeks he came in, it was a good performance, the whole team was organised well,’ said the Dutchman. ‘We didn’t concede one counter over the whole game.’
Ten Hag has Maguire and Victor Lindelof to choose from to partner Lisandro Martinez, with Varane out (Picture: Getty Images)
The Red Devils have a busy schedule until the World Cup, so Maguire will certainly have the chance to prove his fitness to England boss Gareth Southgate.
Their final game before the break is at Fulham in the Premier League on 13 November and before then they have league meetings with West Ham and Aston Villa, a Europa League trip to Real Sociedad and host Villa in the EFL Cup.
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Maguire returned from injury in the Europa League.