Paul Merson is never one to sit on the fence with his opinions on Manchester United – but in the case of Harry Maguire, the former Arsenal man has been proven right.
Maguire has endured a torrid season for United, with the Reds’ captain regularly finding himself on the end of criticism from fans and pundits alike for his performances. Former United captain Roy Keane has been particularly hard on him over the course of the campaign.
The 29-year-old suffered another day to forget as his side were comfortably brushed aside by Manchester City in the derby on Sunday. Despite giving a good account of themselves in the first half, United were thoroughly outclassed by their neighbours after the break as they fell to a 4-1 defeat at the Etihad.
ALSO READ: Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof prove Manchester United right about Raphael Varane
Maguire once again came in for heavy criticism for his part in the visitors’ downfall, in particular City’s second goal. After David de Gea produced a great save to deny Phil Foden, rather than put the ball behind for a corner, Maguire allowed it to go through his legs, with Kevin De Bruyne eventually burying the ball to give the hosts the lead at the break.
The United captain was slammed for his performance on social media, and not for the first time this season. And in amongst the reactions, an old video of Merson emerged.
The former midfielder-turned-pundit has been outspoken on United this season, especially Cristiano Ronaldo’s place in the side. But it was his opinion on United’s signing of Maguire which drew fans’ attention.
Speaking on Sky Sports back in 2019, Merson said: “I worry for United. I don’t see any good business. Harry Maguire for £80million is ridiculous.
“You have to remember when he ripped it up for England, he played in a three. You only play a three at the back for one reason - the defenders are not good enough.
“When he played at Leicester, they play and then drop back and sit on the edge of their own box. There is no space behind, the ball comes in the middle, he heads it out and he comes out running with the ball.
“He kicks off for Manchester United, you’re on the halfway line. All of the sudden you’re playing against Arsenal and balls are going over the top for [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang or for [Sergio] Aguero at Manchester City. And it is pace, pace, pace.”
Although Maguire’s early performances might have suggested United hadn’t conducted the worst piece of business, there’s no doubt his displays this season have exposed the club’s poor record with signings. The Reds now face a serious fight just to salvage a top four finish from what has been a dismal campaign.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
Catch up on all the latest Reds headlines in our Man United section
