Former Manchester United star Michael Owen slams Harry Maguire's lack of pace as his real problem after the club captain was tormented by Southampton striker Armando Broja during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Maguire has struggled badly since returning from his exploits at Euro 2020, where he helped England reach their first final of a major tournament since 1966.
The 28-year-old, who joined The Red Devils for £80million back in 2019, has come under intense pressure all season for his performances.
The Saints were incredibly bright at Old Trafford, with on-loan Chelsea striker Armand Broja continuing to make a serious impression.
He gave Maguire a torrid time as Southampton fought back from Jadon Sancho's early goal to take a point against Ralf Rangnick's men.
It was however Broja's strike partner Che Adams who caught Maguire in no mans land for his equaliser.
‘I did fear for him and that was quite embarrassing,’ former United striker Owen said of the incident, speaking to Premier League Productions.
‘He’s got no pace at the best of times but he was outwitted there (by Broja). Then you’re thinking don’t try to redeem your mistake, he just got away with it and I don’t think it was a penalty.
‘But you are fearful when he’s running towards him man you think are you going to try to do something stupid but he just gets away with it.
‘His lack of pace is a real problem. We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again. The goal, he could have been squeezing up but he’s petrified of that space in behind.’
The centre-back also faced fierce criticism for his defending against Burnley in midweek, when he allowed Wout Weghorst to turn away and set Jay Rodriguez up for the equaliser.
Maguire will need to improve his current form if he is to help lead his United to a top four finish this season.
Caoadortyz
0
He cannot play football... He is too bandy
pamadimnuy
0
Man U and other PL clubs must strengthen their teams according to their individual weaknesses.The tapes PROVES THAT MAN U NEEDS AN ENTIRE SET OF DEFENDERS
miycprstz
0
Maguire shld be stripped of the captaincy. With it, he will feel less pressure and play with a clear mind. Sometimes with the armband a player is burdened unnecessarily.
miycprstz
0
He is good in aerial duels. Defenders around him should help him. One to one with opponent he is lost. Against The Saints, the Man Utd forwards have two or three players to pass through. Fast counter attack only results in Sancho goal.
ToniCJ
3
This is typical! Lack of pace? Is that the only problem you could see with Harry Maguire, Mr. Owen? Typical! Typical ! But you can see all the problems with Pogba, with Bruno, with Eric, .., and all you see about Harry is pace. Typical !!!!
Saeaelprsz
0
maguirr is a useless player
Jibbdlopr
4
As far as man u continue to use Maguire in dia match,d problems in d defense will never end..He is too slow,too soft & timeless as a central defender..
Yumbcnrstu
3
He should have been booked for stepping on Broja’s leg. It would have been a penalty if it was in the other side of the field.
Yunglacer
0
please please it has not gotten to that[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
It’s gotten to that man… he should be out for about 9months minimum He’s just a liability in that team and so annoying. The most worse ever defender to play for Utd at the cost of €80m
rezruz
5
If you park the bus like Mourinho did with MU Maguire can be good, but in all more dominant styles of play Maguire lacking quality.
Cimemrsuy
4
The most panicky player in Europe
Yimbeilz
0
Somebody should break Mcguire leg n let him retired for good..
please please it has not gotten to that[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Zeus93
5
McGuire is simply a useless player he's the main architect of Manchester united's . who else thinks like me ?
jaure21
1
🔥
fabckmnoz
4
Somebody should break Mcguire leg n let him retired for good..
Bauket
5
Thank God as long as Tottenham keeps up with the good form we hv hopes of makx a champions league spot
Ribekmopsz
1
useless captain