Pranav Nair
Paul Parker calls for Harry Maguire to be stripped of the Manchester United captaincy
According to The Sun, former Manchester United star Paul Parker has called upon the club to replace Harry Maguire as the captain.
The 27-year-old joined the club in the summer of 2019 and has since gone on to establish himself as the side’s best defender. He was also entrusted with the armband after Ashley Young left for Inter Milan in January 2020.
The Englishman has since led his side to four major semifinals and also a brief stay at the top of the Premier League table this season. While there is promise, his ability to follow in the footsteps of those who wore the armband before him can be questioned.
“Harry Maguire is not a leader, he plays the game for himself, he sits way too deep, he dribbles for the sake of dribbling and runs himself into cul-de-sacs.”
Parker is convinced that Maguire has become a part of the problem rather than being the solution. He has called into question the defender’s leadership ability, so far as to suggest that his presence hurts the team more than aiding it.
The former United star’s accusations are not without merit. After all, Maguire’s poor judgement played Dominic Calvert-Lewin onside for Everton’s equalizer last weekend.
Foot in mouth!
The fact that the skipper switched off before full-time, especially having warned his teammates of the threat that the Toffees striker possesses is nothing short of comedy. Maguire also escaped the brunt of the criticism which was eventually directed towards goalkeeper David de Gea.
“I have always been unsure about Maguire since the day Manchester United signed him. When they paid £80m, the club didn’t buy an £80m centre back, it was great business by Leicester.”
Parker isn’t just critical of Maguire’s leadership but also his status as an elite defender. While the Englishman is good, the jury is still out on whether United got what they paid for the 27-year-old.
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While the club are right to target a new centre-back in the summer, Maguire should be held accountable for his mistakes and a closer introspection should be made regarding his role at the club.
