Nemanja Vidic has told Manchester United they need to consider taking Harry Maguire out of the team for him to rediscover some form.
The United captain has suffered from an elongated spell of poor form this season in a dismal campaign for the club. Having impressed in England’s run to the Euro 2020 final last summer, the 29-year-old has struggled to hit the same heights for his domestic side over the past year.
Maguire’s place in the side, and his captaincy, have come under question from supporters as United’s hopes of a top four finish have drifted further away. United look to be out of the running for next season’s Champions League now after their defeat to Everton on Saturday left them six points off fourth with just seven games remaining.
ALSO READ: Manchester United are as spineless now as they were three years ago
Interim boss Ralf Rangnick and his predecessor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have rallied around Maguire at various points this season. But with little to play for during the remainder of the season, former United defender Vidic feels it could be in Maguire’s best interests to be left out of the side.
“Every player has a problem with form at some time in his career,” Vidic told The Athletic.
“I did and it’s clear that Maguire is not at his best this season. I think you can do a few things and one of them is not to play every match as you try to find form again and get confidence.
“A coach could play him in easier games, not that there are many in the Premier League, and take him out for harder matches. The player needs to feel powerful and strong on the pitch again, not as it is now where he feels that it’s not happening for him.
“It’s difficult to play well when you’re under so much pressure because people are waiting for you to make a mistake. You’re asking me this and I’m replying as a coach.”
Vidic added: “It’s not a problem if a player says to his coach that he’s not feeling great on the pitch. If he says: ‘Give me a break, give me a couple of weeks to regroup and train well and then play again’. I had some horrible games for United and needed to find my peace and grow again.”
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
