Harry Maguire has been an important figure at Man United since 2019.
The centre-back moved to Old Trafford off the back of an impressive 2018/19 campaign with Leicester City and although the defender has received criticism throughout his time in Manchester, the Englishman rose all the way up to become the Red Devils’ captain.
This was seen as a big coup for Man United at the time as Man City were also interested in the England star. Liverpool may also have got involved in the race but having signed Virgil van Dijk the year prior, there was no need for the Reds to make a move.
The Merseyside club may have had a good chance of winning it as well, as Maguire admitted that his favourite player growing up was a Liverpool star.
Harry Maguire admired Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard had some incredible moments throughout his Liverpool career and it would have inspired other players to want to be like the former Reds captain.
Gerrard was the hero of the 2006 FA Cup final, while starting the comeback in Istanbul as Liverpool went on to win their fifth Champions League crown against AC Milan.
When speaking to Sky Sports years ago, Maguire admitted that he admired Gerrard and that the former England international was the player he pretended to be on the playground when asked.
“I was always Steven Gerrard in the playground,” Maguire said. “But then when I grew up, I always idolised John Terry, so both. Both are English. Top, top players and two people I do look up to.”
This may not go down well with Man United fans as Gerrard is a player the Red Devils fanbase definitely do not like given his allegiance to Liverpool and the moments he produced against their team throughout his playing days.
Maguire’s admiration of the former midfielder may have played a role in the defender moving to Liverpool had the Reds showed interest, which is something Phil Thompson wanted to see back in 2018.
Phil Thompson wanted Harry Maguire at Liverpool
Maguire made a name for himself at Leicester and would impress the nation further with his performances for England at the 2018 World Cup.
Liverpool legend Phil Thompson was impressed with what he saw from the centre-back in Russia and in an interview with the Liverpool Echo back in 2018, the former Reds defender called for Jurgen Klopp to sign the current Man United star.
“I’ve been a big fan of Harry Maguire since his days at Hull City,” Thompson stated. “Since then, he’s got better and better. He’s had a fantastic World Cup so far.
“I was saying long before the tournament started that he has all the attributes needed to be a Liverpool player.
“He’s big, he’s strong and positionally he’s very good whether as a two or a three at the back. He’s also very comfortable on the ball. He’s better than John Stones when it comes to passing it out from the back.
“Harry has been one of the best defenders in the World Cup and he certainly fits Liverpool’s philosophy. I can’t speak more highly of him.”
Liverpool fans will be thankful this transfer never got done as Reds supporters have been delighted with their centre-back pairings over the last six years.
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