Patrice Evra has urged Manchester United to 'help' Harry Maguire when he returns to the club following an impressive World Cup campaign with England.
The Reds captain has endured a difficult campaign at Old Trafford so far this term, with the 29-year-old making just nine appearances in all competitions for Erik ten Hag's side. Maguire has only made three Premier League starts and has fallen behind Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane in the pecking order.
However, the centre-back enjoyed a solid tournament in Qatar and was one of the Three Lions' standout performers - playing every single minute as Gareth Southgate's side exited the competition at the hands of France.
ALSO READ: Erik ten Hag is about to face his first major acid test as Man United manager
Former United ace Evra has suggested that Maguire has never been in a 'strong position' at Old Trafford, but insisted that he needs to have more belief in his ability after a productive few weeks in the Middle East.
"We can say Harry Maguire never let down England in the World Cup," Evra told Betfair. "Maguire can now say 'why am I playing consistently in an England shirt but not for Man United?'
"I've seen players who were great with their international team and bad with their club and vice-versa. Maguire needs to find the same confidence in his manager and his teammates as he does for England.
"Maguire has never been in a strong position since joining Man United, even as the captain, the players weren't respecting or supporting him. Maguire just has the armband, but he doesn't have the leadership as he does with England.
"You can see Maguire is the boss of the defence, but he's not the boss of the defence at Man United, it's Lisandro Martinez or Raphael Varane when they play.
"Man United need to help Maguire play again but Maguire needs to be like, 'okay, I'm the boss, I'm Harry Maguire, I'm the one who never lets my country down'. But don't get carried away because players can shine with their country but not with their club."
Maguire - who was appointed Reds captain in 2020 - has made a total of 153 appearances for United since arriving at Old Trafford from Leicester City. He has come under intense scrutiny in the past 18 months but will be hoping that he can feature more frequently once the domestic season resumes next week.
READ NEXT:
