Harry Maguire reveals he tried to 'drive standards' during spell in Man Utd wilderness as Premier League player of the month pays tribute to fans for support

The centre-back endured a horrid time as he found himself stripped of the captain's armband and dropped to the bench by coach Erik ten Hag. Maguire also became a figure of ridicule in the media and was jeered by England fans when he took to the field for the national team.

The 30-year-old has bounced back in recent weeks, however, earning the Premier League Player of the Month award for November as well as huge praise from Ten Hag, his team-mates and some pundits. Maguire even received an apology from the Ghanaian politician who mocked him in parliament.

Maguire has opened up about his journey back to stardom, telling United's matchday programme: "In football you don’t go through a 15-year career without being sat on the bench at all. Last season probably was the first time in my career where I’ve had to do that. I said to myself I’d remain patient, I’d do everything I can off the field when I’m not playing to help the lads, because I play for this club for it to be successful, whether I’m playing or not. Every day I came to training, tried to drive the standards, drive the training, to make sure we were working at an intensity that enabled us to get three points. By doing that, I enabled myself to stay fit, stay ready, stay in a good, positive mindset and be ready to take my chance when it came."

The defender also gave credit to the United supporters, adding: "The support has been amazing, ever since I’ve come in and played this season. They’ve been amazing with me. I’ve really felt the love and the support on the pitch, and it’s given me great confidence and belief in myself to go and perform well and help the team."

Maguire will hope to play a crucial role as United take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday. The Red Devils need to beat the German champions in the last game of the group stage and hope that Galatasaray and Copenhagen play out a draw.