Harry Maguire is enjoying an extended summer break after being suddenly left out of England’s World Cup squad this summer.
Harry Maguire has revealed that Manchester United are closely monitoring their players’ fitness levels through detailed training schedules and GPS tracking as the defender enjoys his longest break in years. Maguire was surprisingly left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad.
Maguire didn’t even try to hide his disappointment at the time, venting his feelings on social media. “After the season so far, I was confident that I could play a big role for my country this summer,” he wrote.
“I am shocked and devastated by this decision. Over the years I have loved nothing more than wearing that shirt and representing my country. I wish the players all the best this summer.”
The 33-year-old has been ruled out of Euro 2024 due to a calf injury, missing a major tournament for the second year in a row. When available and fit, he remained a consistent presence in United’s starting XI throughout last season.
United have ensured that players who are not taking part in international matches follow a structured program to maintain their fitness levels, and all players are also equipped with GPS trackers that feed data back to the club.
Maguire revealed his players will take part in pre-season training in the second week of July, with the defender enjoying the longest break of his career since making his first appearance for England.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast in New York, Maguire said he had had an “unusual” off-season.
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“I think we came back Wednesday, the 9th (of July),” he said. “This is the longest (break) I’ve had since my England debut. It’s been good but strange.
“We’ll have six-and-a-half weeks off, but to be honest, pre-season is usually about three weeks before the first game, but this year it’s six-and-a-half weeks, so it’s a long way to get ready.
“Man United send you the schedule and send you a GPS to see if you’re doing it. So, they keep you in the loop.”
Michael Carrick is in charge of his first pre-season as United’s head coach, with the club set to play a series of friendlies in several European countries this summer. Matches are scheduled for July and August in Finland, Sweden, Norway, the Republic of Ireland and Poland.
The tour begins on July 18th with a match against Wrexham in Helsinki. United then face Rosenborg in Trondheim on July 24th, and Atletico Madrid in Stockholm on August 1st.
Additional games are scheduled against Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg on August 8th, against Leeds United in Croke Park in Dublin on August 12th and against AC Milan in Wrocław on August 15th.
The Premier League campaign will soon get underway in earnest, with United opening the season away to newly promoted Hull City on Saturday, August 22nd, with a 12.30pm kick-off.
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