Harry Maguire ‘not a leader and plays the game for himself’ as Manchester United are told to sign TWO new centre-backs amid Raphael Varane links

Harry Maguire isn’t the answer to Manchester United’s problems in defence, according to former Red Devil Paul Parker.

Man United shelled out £80million for the centre-back in the summer of 2019, a world-record fee for a defender.

However, Parker thinks the same old problems in that position linger for United.

They’ve recently been linked with Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, however, Parker believes his former side need to bring in TWO new centre-backs.

It’s thought any new acquisition would partner Maguire but Parker suggested the focus should be on who plays next to Victor Lindelof.

Parker added that Maguire was never Man United’s answer as he lacks the required leadership and ‘plays the game for himself.’

He told Grand National: “Despite the position that Manchester United find themselves in the Premier League, they still need to strengthen in the transfer market this summer.

“Bringing in competition for places always helps players to improve their game. You look at Luke Shaw this season, he has really upped his game since the signing of Alex Telles.

“Regarding the centre backs, people talk about bringing in a new partner for Harry Maguire, but I would look at bringing in two centre backs, why can’t it be a player who comes in and plays alongside Victor Lindelof?

“Harry Maguire is not a leader, he plays the game for himself, he sits way too deep, he dribbles for the sake of dribbling and runs himself into cul-de-sacs.

“The goal against Sheffield United, he put David De Gea in a terrible position, and he made a terrible clearance which people then blamed the goalkeeper. Sometimes you need to look at the build-up to see the mistakes.

“I have always been unsure about Maguire since the day Manchester United signed him. When they paid £80m, the club didn’t buy an £80m centre back, it was great business by Leicester City.”