Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher insists that defender Harry Maguire is struggling to improve his form due to his lack of authority in the Manchester United dressing room.
The England international has put in a series of below-par performances this campaign – despite making into it the Euro 2020 team of the tournament last summer alongside Italy’s Leonardo Bonucci in defence.
The £80million man has faced an onslaught of criticism for his performances this season and become an unwanted poster boy for United’s troubles.
Jamie Carragher insists Harry Maguire is struggling with his form due to his lack of authority
The England defender has put in a series of below-par performances this campaign for United
To make matters worse, a section of Three Lions fans jeered Maguire’s name when it was read out ahead of the game at Wembley and greeted his first few touches in similar fashion, as they sealed a 3-0 win over Ivory Coast on Tuesday evening.
The 29-year-old, however, continues to perform on international duty and Carragher believes his form at Old Trafford is down to failing to reassert himself as a leader.
Since the arrival of 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo and subsequent debates that he should take over the armband, Maguire has struggled to deal with the pressure.
It’s been claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo (left) should replace Maguire (right) as captain
‘Maguire’s difficulty in turning it around at Old Trafford is his lack of authority in the United dressing room,’ Carragher said in his Telegraph column.
‘Since last summer, Maguire has been looking over his shoulder amid a debate as to whether he or Cristiano Ronaldo should be captain.
‘Rather than reassert his leadership, he has fallen short. That has affected his performances.’
Jamie Carragher (pictured) insists failing to reassert his leadership has affected his displays
Maguire has been an integral part of Gareth Southgate’s England side since the 2018 World Cup and has generally performed well for his country.
He was part of the England team which reached the final of last year’s European Championship and the semi-finals of the World Cup in Russia four years ago.
His selection for this month’s friendlies was questioned by some due to his poor club form, but the boss stuck by him.
Maguire has been an integral part of Gareth Southgate’s England side since back in 2018
Carragher, however, feels the former Leicester City centre-back can still save both his United and England career.
‘Only one person can change the situation,’ Carragher added.
‘Maguire has to show he has the talent and strength of character to stay at Manchester United beyond this season, and remain the lynchpin of England’s defence at the World Cup.’
