Harry Maguire Spotted at Promotional Event in New York Post-Squad Exclusion
Harry Maguire, the Manchester United center-back, has been observed participating in a promotional event for Panini football stickers in New York City. The sighting occurred at the Rockefeller Center, where the player was seen interacting with fans from within a branded Panini van. This appearance is understood to be part of a World Cup promotional campaign by Panini, following Maguire’s omission from the national squad.
The 33-year-old defender’s presence in the Big Apple has drawn attention, particularly given his recent exclusion from the 26-man squad for the upcoming tournament. Young fans expressed surprise at encountering the player distributing sticker packs. One supporter was quoted as saying, “What is Harry Maguire doing here,” before securing a photograph with the footballer.
Maguire’s New York Itinerary
During his time in New York, Maguire’s activities have extended beyond the promotional event. He has reportedly met with Manchester United supporters at The Long Acre bar, located near Times Square. Additionally, Maguire made a guest appearance on Gary Lineker’s podcast, ‘The Rest is Football,’ and has also engaged in leisure activities such as a round of golf.
On the podcast, Lineker touched upon the national team’s performance, referencing a recent 4-2 victory against Croatia. He posed a question regarding the team’s strategy and player selections, suggesting that some omissions might have been vindicated by the performance. Lineker quickly acknowledged the potential awkwardness of the question in Maguire’s presence, adding a swift clarification.
Reflections on Squad Exclusion
Maguire himself has spoken about his conversation with the national team manager, Thomas Tuchel, regarding his exclusion from the squad. According to Maguire, Tuchel cited a preference for the players who secured qualification for the tournament, stating he could not offer a specific excuse for Maguire’s absence. The defender expressed his disappointment, describing himself as “shocked and gutted” by the decision, having felt confident in his ability to contribute significantly.
He conveyed his deep affection for representing his country and wished the selected players well for the summer tournament. The manager’s selection for the center-back positions reportedly includes Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah, Dan Burn, and John Stones. Other notable players who did not make the final squad include Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, as well as left-backs Lewis Hall and Luke Shaw. The inclusion of Ivan Toney has also been noted, despite limited recent playtime under Tuchel.
Meanwhile, Maguire’s mother publicly voiced her strong disapproval of her son’s exclusion, describing the decision as “disgraceful” and expressing her disgust.
The national team is scheduled to play its next match against Ghana at Boston Stadium on Tuesday, June 23.
