Jamie Carragher has told Harry Maguire that he has a “lack of authority” in the Manchester United dressing room and urged him to front up to the task at hand.
The defender was booed by England fans on Tuesday when his name was read out in the line-up announcement before the national team’s friendly with the Ivory Coast. This was roundly condemned post-match by his international teammates and Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
United are now outside contenders for a top four finish having crashed out of Champions League to Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16 earlier this month. Maguire was one of the players who bore the brunt of heavy criticism from club supporters in the wake of this.
READ MORE: Harry Maguire situation gives Manchester United a new dilemma
Writing in his regular Telegraph column, Carragher said Maguire has “fallen short” of the required leadership standards expected at Old Trafford, which has contributed to the 29-year-old’s poor form. He said: “Maguire’s difficulty in turning it around at Old Trafford is his lack of authority in the United dressing room.
“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 re-assert his leadership, he has fallen short. That has affected his performances.”
Carragher urged Maguire - who has lost just one of his last 13 Premier League matches - to fulfil his capabilities, like he has done so regularly for England. “Only one person can change the situation,” the former Liverpool defender continued.
“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.”
However, Carragher forecasted a bleak future for Maguire at Old Trafford as the club looks to bring in a new-age manager with the likes of Erik ten hag and Mauricio Pochetinno shortlisted for the permanent role. He said: “Elite coaches are determined to play a high-line defence.
“Whoever takes over at Old Trafford this summer will do likewise. That does not suit Maguire, especially as there is so much malfunctioning in the United team he is regularly exposed. This will be a problem for him going forward.”
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
