Paul Scholes criticises Harry Maguire’s performance

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Paul Scholes’ uncompromising brand of punditry can be as blunt as some of his tackles.

And the former midfielder was distinctly unimpressed with Harry Maguire’s performance against Atalanta.

Speaking to BT Sport after the 2-2 draw in Italy, Scholes picked out Maguire as a problem for United.

Scholes said: “Harry Maguire… I don’t know if he is injured or has a hangover from the Euros, it just does not look right. He is all over the place.”

Maguire goes backwards

Maguire and United’s whole defence were caught out for Atalanta’s first goal, before Raphael Varane went off injured.

After that United lived dangerously and were eventually caught out for another goal in the second half, with Harry Maguire playing Duvan Zapata onside.

United were lucky not to concede a third, before Ronaldo popped up to the rescue, again.

Eric Bailly had his work cut out trying to mop up after Maguire, and it really should not have been that way.

As Scholes points out, the United defender has taken a big step backwards with his performances this season.

There was an improvement against Tottenham at the weekend, but it is far easier to play as part of a back three, especially when Raphael Varane is there too.

United may not have Varane available at the weekend, which is a shame, because if there was a back two, it would be near enough time to drop Maguire.

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