Former Liverpool and England midfielder John Barnes has suggested that Manchester United's players must work harder out of possession to help Harry Maguire get his career back on track and give him a sense of protection.
The United skipper, who was booed by some England supporters during the Three Lions' 3-0 win over the Ivory Coast at Wembley on Tuesday night, has experienced a massively underwhelming season at Old Trafford. He has been guilty of committing a string of individual errors that have led to goals being conceded and his overall performances have not been good enough.
But, whilst Maguire has commonly been sounded out as the scapegoat by many United supporters, he has not been alone in failing to hit the required standards this term. A whole host of United players are experiencing underwhelming campaigns, contributing to the difficulties that the United skipper has faced.
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On the international stage, Maguire has, once again, been solid for England, remaining a key part of Gareth Southgate's plans. He was crucial in their run to the final of the European Championship last summer and will hope to play a similar role in this year's World Cup.
Considering the England squad features an array of talent, especially in midfield and up front, such as the likes of United targets Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, Barnes has hinted that could be where the issue lies for Maguire at club level. Furthermore, he has accused United's forward players of not working hard enough when not in possession of the ball.
"Harry Maguire will not be leaving Manchester United to go to a club that plays a back three like Tottenham," Barnes told BonusCodeBets. "That's a nonstarter.
"Maguire has played in back fours for the majority of his career and including for England. I don't believe he plays better in a back three than a back four.
"When England played with a back four, he played well. His form has nothing to do with that.
"It is all to do with the protection he gets from the hard-working England players in front of him, whereas at United the front four don't work hard enough to protect the defence. He's just more comfortable playing for England."
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