Mirror
Manchester United captain Harry Maguire had his leadership skills questioned and been accused of ‘playing for himself’ in a scathing attack by former Red Devils defender Paul Parker.
Parker, who won two Premier League titles in a five year spell at Old Trafford has been less than impressed with Maguire’s performances in a red shirt since the player’s arrival from Leicester in 2018.
The former full back believes the club out to be looking to replace the centre-half following some unconvincing displays so far this season.
“Regarding the centre backs, people talk about bringing in a new partner for Harry Maguire,” Parker is quoted by The Sun . “But I would look at bringing in two centre backs, why can’t it be a player who comes in and plays alongside Victor Lindelof?
“Harry Maguire is not a leader, he plays the game for himself, he sits way too deep, he dribbles for the sake of dribbling and runs himself into cul-de-sacs.”
Despite sitting second in the Premier League, the 32 goals conceded by United in the Premier League is among the most of any side in the top half of the division with only Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Everton having shipped more of the top ten teams.
Parker believes Maguire is partially to blame for this following some notable errors leading to goals this campaign.
One costly moment in particular came in a shock 2-1 setback against bottom of the table Sheffield United when Maguire failed to clear his lines allowing Oliver Burke to score the winning goal.
“The goal against Sheffield United,” Parker added. “He put David De Gea in a terrible position, and he made a terrible clearance which people then blamed the goalkeeper. Sometimes you need to look at the build-up to see the mistakes.
“I have always been unsure about Maguire since the day Manchester United signed him. When they paid £80m, the club didn’t buy an £80m centre back, it was great business by Leicester City.”
This Story First Appeared At The Mirror
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