Gary Lineker and Micah Richards have both jumped to the defence of one of Manchester United’s stars, claiming that the defender is ‘underrated’.
Since the arrival of Michael Carrick, Manchester United have enjoyed a turnaround in spirits which has seen them rise to fourth in the Premier League standings.
Carrick has started his tenure with about as difficult a start as he could imagine, having to face both Manchester City and Arsenal. However, his side has come out victorious on both occasions.
The Reds’ recent trip to The Emirates saw them win 3-2, with an 87th-minute Matheus Cunha strike being the difference between the two sides.
Following this result, Gary Lineker and Micah Richards have highlighted the importance of one particular United ace, claiming that he is ‘underrated’.
Lineker and Richards rave about Maguire
When speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, via United in Focus, Lineker and Richards were both singing the praises of Harry Maguire and his defensive qualities.
The 32-year-old centre back has been subject to much criticism during his time at Old Trafford, but has managed to turn things around over the last year with some very important contributions.
Richards said, “Harry Maguire in a low block is very, very good. I know he’s laughed at and people make memes all the time.”
Lineker responded to this by adding, “Do you know what I think about Harry Maguire? I think he’s one of the most underrated players in football.
“I know people have a pop at him, even people in the game have a pop at him. And I know that he can be turned by a striker with pace, but he makes up for it to a degree with his intelligence.”
Lineker on Maguire ‘experience’
Lineker also went on to state that Maguire isn’t just important for his club, but he is also crucial to England.
“He can play as well, he’s good on the ball and he’s never let England down when he’s played for his country,” Lineker added.
“I would also say he’s bloody brilliant in both boxes from set-pieces. There is an obvious weakness with the slight lack of pace, but he’s got the experience to handle that.”
It is fantastic to see Maguire finally receiving some much-deserved plaudits after a difficult few years for the Reds, and it certainly gives United some food for thought regarding the 32-year-old’s contract in the summer.
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