Harry Maguire Could've Gone Down A Very Different Career Path, According To His School Teachers

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire could've had a successful career as an accountant, according to one of his old school teachers in Chesterfield.

Maguire excelled at all subjects in school before deciding on football as a career path, which may come as a surprise given his dedication to the sport.

The England international attended St Mary's Catholic High School in Chesterfield and was a standout student when it came to mathematics.

"He was a remarkable pupil who always came in and worked very hard," deputy headteacher Sue Cain told the Derbyshire Times.

"He was never in any trouble and he had such a good attitude. He did everything you asked him to do and he never questioned why. He was a popular lad."

That would see Maguire stand out when it came to his GCSEs but that didn't come at a cost of his sporting talent.

In addition to football, he also played rugby and table tennis in addition to competing in cross country runs.

Maguire isn't the quickest in short bursts, but his endurance is why he's rarely gone down with injury in his Old Trafford career.

Cain continued: "He got A* and A grades in his GCSEs.

"I think he would have gone on to study business or maths and probably have been an accountant."

Despite all that, PE teacher Martin McKee reckons professional football was always in his destiny.

He didn't play in defence as a youngster though. Most of his action came in midfield.

"He could really dominate a game from central midfield," McKee declared.

"He had an aura about him. He could dribble around everyone if he wanted to."

Maguire's ability to play out from the back and desire to be on the ball makes sense, then.

The 29-year-old has had a tricky season and he's been a scapegoat for United's failings, with the club finishing sixth and missing out on Champions League qualification.

Many wondered if new manager Erik ten Hag would rate Maguire and United are said to be looking at new defenders.

They've been linked with Ajax youngster Jurrien Timber as well as Villarreal's Pau Torres.

Ten Hag was asked about Maguire in his first press conference on Monday and spoke glowingly of his skipper.

"Next season is a different season," ten Hag stressed.

"He's done a great job, and he's a great player.

"He's achieved a lot with his contribution to Manchester United so I'm looking forward to working with him."

Maguire made 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice.