Jamie Carragher says that Harry Maguire is struggling to improve his form as a result of his lack of authority in the Manchester United dressing room.
The England international has struggled this season despite being named to the Euro 2020 team of the tournament alongside Italy’s Leonardo Bonucci in defense last summer.
The £80million man has come under fire for his performances this season and has emerged as an unwelcome poster boy for United’s woes.
To compound matters, a section of Three Lions fans jeered Maguire’s name when it was called out ahead of Tuesday’s match at Wembley and cheered his first few touches as they secured a 3-0 victory over Ivory Coast.
The 29-year-old, though, continues to perform well on international duty, and Carragher believes his lack of leadership at Old Trafford is a result of his inability to reestablish himself.
Maguire has struggled to cope with the strain since the arrival of 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo and ensuing questions over whether he should take over the armband.
‘Maguire’s difficulties in reversing fortunes at Old Trafford stems from his lack of power in the Manchester United locker room,’ Carragher said in his Telegraph column.
Maguire has been looking over his shoulder since last summer amid a debate about whether he or Cristiano Ronaldo should be captain.
‘Instead of asserting his leadership, he has failed. This has had an effect on his performance.’ Maguire has been a key member of Gareth Southgate’s England team since the 2018 World Cup and has consistently played admirably for his country.
He was a member of the England side that reached the final of the European Championship last year and the World Cup semi-finals in Russia four years ago.
Some questioned his selection for this month’s friendlies due to his poor club form, but the management stood by him.
Carragher, on the other hand, believes the former Leicester City centre-back is still capable of resurrecting both his United and England careers.
‘Only one person has the power to alter the course of events,’ Carragher remarked.
‘Maguire must demonstrate that he possesses the ability and character to remain at Manchester United beyond this season and to continue serving as the lynchpin of England’s defense at the World Cup.’