Craig Burley has urged Manchester United captain Harry Maguire to climb out of his current rut and prove people who are doubting him wrong.
Speaking on ESPN, the former Scotland midfielder insisted Maguire still had plenty to give for United, despite his struggles this season. The 28-year-old has endured arguably the toughest term of his senior career.
He is already several games behind a majority of Ralf Rangnick’s squad because of absences through injury. When the defender has been part of the side, however, his performances have left a lot to be desired.
The mistake count, which before was extremely low, continues to mount this season. Usually a composed character in defence, Maguire’s poise has seemingly deserted him.
Harry Maguire feeling the pressure
Following a number of dodgy displays, some fans and pundits have called the centre-back’s character and captaincy into question.
However, Burley came to the England international’s defence, stating a quality player still bubbled beneath the surface.
He said: “I think there is a player in there. We’ve seen it before. He’s helped England get to the semi-final of a World Cup and the final of a Euros.
“He’s made this big-money move. Man City were after him. United were willing to pay the money for him, City were not.
“I think he’s a better defender than we’ve seen in recent months. There’s a better player in there, but he needs to get his head out of his backside and square himself up. If he doesn’t do it, he will get cast aside.
“While I don’t think he’s the greatest defender out there, I’m not putting him in with (Virgil) Van Dijk, (Ruben) Dias and others, I think he’s a good defender.
“But I think he’s having a poor time.”
Totally disunited
Perhaps United’s general deficiencies have enflamed Maguire’s personal problems. They are a team in limbo, with uncertainty surrounding the club’s direction.
Rangnick replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on an interim basis only, so there’s every likelihood he’ll leave in the summer.
The futures of significant players are also up for debate. Where will Paul Pogba be playing in six months’ time? Or Cristiano Ronaldo?
Old Trafford isn’t a happy hunting ground right now and won’t be for a while unless wholesale changes are made.
Otherwise, Maguire and co could finish the campaign empty handed once again. Then the inquests really will rain down.
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