Former Manchester United star Paul Parker has claimed that his old club 'cannot move forward' with Harry Maguire in the team, despite the defender recently signing a new contract at Old Trafford until 2027 with an option for a further year. Maguire has been rewarded for his fine form under manager Michael Carrick, having struggled for minutes early in the campaign and suffered a thigh problem during Ruben Amorim's final months in charge.
Maguire's Resurgence Under Carrick
Since Carrick took the reins, Maguire has started every game he has been available for, missing matches against Leeds and Chelsea only through suspension. While midfield requires major surgery this summer, United's defensive options are also under scrutiny. Matthijs de Ligt has not played since the end of November due to a back injury, and Lisandro Martinez has faced fitness issues again this season. Ayden Heaven has impressed while filling in for Martinez, who has missed the last three games through suspension. Heaven and Leny Yoro are regarded as a partnership for the future at the club.
Parker's Criticism of Maguire
Parker, a former United right-back, is a big admirer of Heaven and believes he should have been given his chance sooner, having had to wait until Carrick's 12th game in charge for a starting role. However, Parker also took aim at Maguire, questioning his leadership qualities and the faith United have shown in him. 'He [Heaven] should have been given an opportunity earlier in Carrick's reign,' Parker told Metro via Nettotobak. 'I think he's doing his bit now, but he's come in and he's done well. Sometimes he's a bit rash, but you've got to remember how young he is and he's trying too hard sometimes.'
'He is getting more games, but he's playing with Harry Maguire, and he's not a leader on the pitch. He's earned his contract, I think, in certain ways, because he's done okay. But if you want to move forward, you don't move forward with Harry Maguire. So you go out and you get another centre half. You've got Martinez and you've got Yoro there as well, but you don't need an older statesman who's been there. You don't move forward with Harry Maguire in your team, as far as I'm concerned.'
Potential Defensive Targets
United have been linked with a new centre-half, with Tottenham's Micky van de Ven a popular choice among ex-players should Spurs get relegated from the Premier League. Marcos Senesi is a cost-effective option as he approaches the end of his contract with Bournemouth. Parker also urged his former club to explore a move for Nottingham Forest star Murillo.
'I think Senesi at Bournemouth fits the United mould. United should look at him at this moment, and I would look at Murillo at Nottingham Forest, those are the two that I would look at. Someone like Murillo in there, who's got pace as well, because pace is important. I don't mean that you need van de Ven kind of pace, but you just want someone who's got a decent recovery.'
