Dimitar Berbatov Has Urged Ralf Rangnick to Drop Harry Maguire

Manchester United’s ‘awful’ performance away at Manchester City last weekend has been condemned by Dimitar Berbatov, who has also called for Ralf Rangnick to remove Harry Maguire from the firing line.

On Sunday, United were thrashed 4-1 by their Manchester rivals, a humiliating setback that has harmed their chances of finishing in the Premier League’s top four this season.

As a result, Berbatov has struck out at his former club for having ‘no game-plan’ on the day following their latest low point at the Etihad. ‘United’s performance versus City infuriated and disappointed me.’

‘It was intolerable,’ the ex-Manchester United striker.

‘And I’m not just talking about the second half. United lacked a strategy. Or, if they did, they didn’t follow through with it. City’s talented players were able to take advantage of United’s flaws.

‘I was disappointed by every aspect of the match.’ United is a team that is inconsistent. When I watch them, I don’t see any sign of a plot. They have a talented roster on paper, but it doesn’t work out on the field.’ “What else can I do?” the players and manager must ask themselves. “How can I help this team even more?” They must accept responsibility.’

Several United players underperformed in Sunday’s defeat, but Maguire had another awful afternoon as he was repeatedly exposed by City’s free-flowing attack.

Berbatov wants Rangnick to bench his captain in the team’s next few games, encouraging the interim manager to ‘give someone else a chance.’

‘At United, I played with some fantastic leaders like Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Rooney, and when things don’t go well for the team, the captain is usually blamed,’ he continued.

‘Harry Maguire is a superior performer. He is well aware of this. His inability to lead the team is being harmed by his blunders. He needs to improve his positioning and decision-making skills.’

‘When you’re under pressure, it’s not easy, but I’ve been there, and that’s the nature of playing for a good club.’ It comes with the territory of being a professional. It’s something you’ll have to cope with.’

‘Ralf Rangnick is welcome to come in. Perhaps he should rest Maguire and give someone else a chance.’