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Published 14:12 15 Feb 2022 GMT
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"And here at Manchester United in a back four, but still not being as proactive with that kind of defence when we try and be on the front foot trying to defend. This is something new to him and it will take some time for him to get adjusted to that."
Rangnick was seemingly trying to defend the player after the heavy criticism he has faced recently.
Yet, his comments arguably only further highlight that Maguire is a poor fit for the team, and raises more questions about why Man United made the 28-year-old the most expensive defender in the world when they signed him in 2019.
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Maguire has played 41 times for England and for 19 of those games he played in a back four. The Man United captain has played 22 times in a back three for England, yet 15 of those appearances came in his first 15 caps for Gareth Southgate's team.
Since October 2018, Maguire has played in a back three for England in just seven matches and in just six competitive games. The former Leicester City defender has played in a back four for England in 19 of his last 26 appearances for the national team.
Most of Maguire's appearances in a back three were in the first half of his England career. So, how is he more used to playing in a back three when the vast majority of his games at club and international level over the last few years have been in back four?
Maguire's form may improve and he may get more protection if the Red Devils sign an elite midfielder or central defender. However, their chances of doing so will be reduced significantly if they don't qualify for the Champions League. And, again, this is not the right approach. Man United need to improve their squad, but they shouldn't be doing it because their previous signings need to be accommodated.
So, the final solution to the Maguire problem may be to just drop him. Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof have been better than the United captain this season. If they are more comfortable playing the way Rangnick wants, then start them. Even Phil Jones and Eric Bailly should be given a chance to earn their place.
Maguire is not playing his way back into form. His confidence looks shot and he is being exposed by opposition players in every game. The only solution for all parties appears to be to take him out of the firing line for the foreseeable.
Maguire is a symptom not a cause of Man United's struggles. It is not his fault that the club decided to massively overpay for him and made him club captain.
Yet, Rangnick's comments raise more questions about Maguire's future at Old Trafford. The evidence suggests that, while he is a decent defender when in form, he is just a level below what is required at Man United.Live sport on TV in Ireland this weekend – Football, GAA, Rugby – April 24th to 26th
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