Manchester United defender Harry Maguire still lacking defensively, says ex-Red Devil Roy Keane
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is still lacking in various areas of his defensive game, former Red Devils captain Roy Keane believes.
United earlier this year made Maguire the most expensive defender in the world, signing the England international from Leicester for £80million.
The 26-year-old was also wanted by their rivals Manchester City, but it is believed they were unwilling to match Maguire's huge asking price.
The centre-back has gone on to be an integral part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Man United side, as the former Old Trafford striker attempts to return the club to the pinnacle of English football.
Maguire has started all four Premier League games of the new season, and he's caught the eye with some relatively impressive performances.
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But only once since his arrival from Leicester have United kept a clean sheet, doing so in their opening weekend 4-0 defeat of Chelsea, and Maguire came under criticism for his role in Crystal Palace's win at Old Trafford last month.
A period of poor play from Maguire led to Palace opening the scoring, and Roy Keane used this example to explain the doubts he has about the defender.
“I think he’s done OK," said Keane on ITV. "We were talking about how good he is on the ball, but defensively I still think he’s… I still have one or two question marks over him.
“I always worry about his pace on the turn.
“I remember the first goal against Crystal Palace where he’s not doing the basics, covering round his other centre-half.
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“Listen, he’s 26 years of age now, you’re worried if you’re pointing these things out to him.”
United were held to draws by Wolves and Southampton either side of their defeat by Palace, meaning they have claimed only five points from a possible 12 over the opening four weeks of the season.
The Red Devils host Maguire's former side Leicester when the Premier League returns after the international break this weekend.