Collymore thinks Old Trafford new-boy Maguire is not in the same league as Anfield defender Van Dijk.
Liverpool ex-player Stan Collymore has been criticised by a number of Manchester United fans on Twitter following his column in The Mirror in which he juxtaposes new Red Devils defender Harry Maguire with Reds centre-back Virgil van Dijk.
On Monday, United confirmed the signing of the England centre-back from Premier League rivals Leicester City for £80million, breaking the world record fee for a defender set by Liverpool with their £75million acquisition of Van Dijk in 2018 (BBC Sport).
Writing in his Mirror column, Collymore believes that a fairer price for Maguire would have been £40million and as such, he feels that the Old Trafford hierarchy have paid double for the player, whilst also claiming he is not in the same league as Van Dijk.
I like and respect England stopper Maguire who is a very good player, leader and influence in the dressing room,” wrote the ex-Anfield ace. “But the 26-year-old is not in the same class as Liverpool’s Dutch stopper Virgil van Dijk. For a British central defender with leadership qualities, Harry fits the bill. But if you want premium quality to push you to a title or Champions League then Van Dijk is your man.
“I remember people talking about Van Dijk back at Celtic and saying this guy is a Rolls Royce. He is now looking a bargain because the Dutchman has to be worth to £200million to a Barcelona, Real Madrid or PSG as he is that influential and that good. Maguire is going to have to step up and then some to prove himself as good a signing.”
Here is what some Man United fans said in response on social media:
Maguire is the second most expensive signing in English top-flight history after new United teammate Paul Pogba (£89million), and becomes the second most expensive British player after Wales winger Gareth Bale, who joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur for £85million in 2013.
The Three Lions defender is United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s third summer signing, after right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka arrived from Crystal Palace for £50million and winger Daniel James joined from Swansea City for £15million.
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