The England defender progressed through the Bramall Lane school before making his professional debut in a red and white jersey.
Harry Maguire admits the past few months at Old Trafford have been ‘tough’ as he plans showdown talks over his future. The defender is currently away with England and will return to his spiritual home after the international break with Manchester United next up for Paul Heckingbottom’s men.
He’s struggled to nail down a regular starting place under Erik ten Hag and has also been used as a scapegoat at times for the team underperforming. He was back in the starting XI for the victory over Brentford last time out and will be hoping to keep his place for the trip to Sheffield United.
The 30-year-old has vivid memories of the stadium after making his professional debut for the club after advancing through the legendary system. He went on to make 166 appearances for United, a club he holds close to his heart.
Sheffield United are right to be proud of their affiliation with Maguire, who is part of an alumni that includes some of the biggest names in English football in recent years to have first kicked a ball in a red and white shirt.
However, his time at Old Trafford could well be coming to an end as Maguire admits he wants regular football. Speaking on media duty for England, he said: “I believe in my ability and what I have done in my career as every player should. Every player who is on the bench should believe they should be starting, otherwise they would not be playing at a higher level.
“I am no different. It’s been tough. I want to play games, I want to feel important to the club and important to the rest of the team. At the moment I haven’t been playing anywhere near as much as I would have liked.
“I have to make sure I am ready to take the opportunities when they are ready to come along. I am not going to sit here all my life and play once a month. If it carries on I am sure myself and the club will sit down and have a chat about things.”