Nemanja Vidic thinks Harry Maguire does not command respect as Manchester United captain due to his inconsistent performances.
Erik ten Hag has made Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane his first-choice partnership in central defence this season, which has seen Maguire slip down the defensive pecking order and make just seven Premier League starts.
Ten Hag had the option of removing the armband from Maguire following his appointment, but the player received the Dutchman's public backing and continued as club captain, despite plans to restrict his appearances in the starting team.
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In the absence of Maguire, Bruno Fernandes has acted as the de facto captain and he is expected to officially be given the role should Maguire leave the club this summer.
Vidic was asked about Maguire during an appearance on Rio Ferdinand's podcast and he joined the voices who think he should not be club captain, as the Serbian believes he is unable to command respect in the dressing room as a result of his underwhelming displays.
“Maguire has a problem because he doesn’t perform well. When you don’t perform well it’s difficult to say to someone what to do,” Vidic said on Vibe with Five. "I think that Maguire is doing well for the national team, he was great for Leicester.
"But obviously, he’s struggling to perform for Manchester United the way he’s performing for other clubs. But It’s difficult to gain that type of respect, it’s nothing against Maguire now. In general, any captain has to be first, has to show an example. A captain has to play well and has to fight for the club and then everybody else will do it.”
Maguire is contracted until the summer of 2025 but an exit from United is possible this summer.
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