Former Defender Delivers Brutal Verdict on Manchester United's £110m Pair
Paul Parker, the ex-Manchester United full-back, has delivered a damning assessment of defenders Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, insisting the club must sever ties with the £110m duo this summer. Parker's comments come despite both players featuring prominently in Michael Carrick's first game as interim manager, a derby victory over Manchester City that saw Maguire earn particular praise for his defensive display.
'A Symbol of What Has Gone Wrong' at Old Trafford
In an interview with MyBettingSites, Parker did not mince his words, describing Maguire and Shaw as emblematic of United's recent struggles. 'I think Maguire and Shaw are a symbol of what has gone wrong at Man United,' he stated bluntly. 'I can't get my head around people thinking they are the solution.'
Parker argued that both players should have been moved on long ago, suggesting their continued presence at the club has become problematic. 'The fact that they are still here is a joke,' he added. 'Are they the worst players in the team? No, but they have been here for so long, taking up space in the squad and performing below what you expect from a Manchester United player.'
Performance Versus Long-Term Value Debate
This criticism arrives at an intriguing juncture. Maguire's recent return to the Premier League starting lineup since November was marked by a solid performance that drew plaudits. Similarly, Shaw delivered a diligent display at left-back, effectively neutralising the threat of City's Antoine Semenyo.
Yet, for Parker, these isolated performances do not outweigh the broader issue. He questions the ambition of both players, hinting that financial comfort at Old Trafford may be a motivating factor. 'It is definitely a possibility that they just like being part of Manchester United and earning a lot of money, but that tells me a lot about their ambitions,' Parker speculated.
Contract Situations and a Call for Change
With Maguire's contract expiring at the season's end and Shaw's deal running until 2027, the summer presents a clear decision point for the club's hierarchy. Parker is unequivocal in his recommendation. 'They have no future at the club,' he asserted, drawing on his own experience of being told he had no long-term role at United while Gary Neville's career flourished.
'None of them are getting better. At their age, they have to realise that it is time to move on,' Parker continued, suggesting a move to a club where they could 'make a difference' would be more beneficial for their careers. He concluded with a stark warning: 'I think when they are done playing football one day, they will realise that they made a mistake by staying for so long.'
This public critique from a former player adds significant pressure to an ongoing narrative at Manchester United, forcing fans and pundits alike to weigh recent on-pitch contributions against long-term squad planning and the high expectations associated with the club's storied history.
