Aheed Abrar
Giorgio Chiellini jumps to the defence of Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire
Former Juventus centre-back Giorgio Chiellini has come to the defence of Manchester United captain Harry Maguire. The Italian legend feels the England international has come under unnecessary criticism due to his price tag.
Maguire has not been at his best in the past couple of seasons. The 29-year-old has faltered in the backline. As a result, the Red Devils have looked shaky at the back.
Speaking to The Times (Subscription Required) [h/t Manchester Evening News], Chiellini, who came up against Maguire in the Euro 2020 final, expressed sadness at the way the England international has been treated. The Italian feels people expect too much from the 29-year-old.
“I am sad for Maguire’s situation because he is a good player. They require too much of him. Just because they paid £80million for him, he has to be the best in the world every match? It’s not right.”
Criticism at United
Maguire has been at the forefront of criticism in recent times. In the previous campaign, the England international made considerable errors that led to goals at United.
Fans have been on his back because of his poor displays. The feeling is that Maguire lacks the leadership skills and flair to lead the Red Devils.
Maguire has been handed the captain’s armband. But unfortunately, supporters feel he has been unable to lead the defence properly. And the England international now finds himself on the periphery of the United squad three years after his big-money move from Leicester City.
Erik ten Hag decided to drop Maguire to the bench after the defeats in the first two fixtures of the season. Since then, the England international has not played a single minute in the Premier League.
Maguire got his opportunity against Real Sociedad in the Europa League. However, we lost the game 1-0. His chances of being in the starting lineup have not been helped by the solid partnership of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in the backline.
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Maguire is currently off on international duty. The 29-year-old has been trusted by Gareth Southgate over the years. However, come the World Cup, if the centre-back’s situation at United remains the same, will he still start for England? Only time will tell.
