Ferdinand slams Maguire after Brighton blunder

Robin Bairner

• 24 Aug 2024 13:49 BST
• 3 min read

Harry Maguire’s part in Brighton’s opening goal against Manchester United has left the England international once again subject to criticism.

Maguire has often been a maligned player in the heart of the Man Utd defence after making an €87m transfer from Leicester City in 2019. This was part of the reason that Erik ten Hag recruited Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich this summer.

Having won his place in the starting XI following a solid showing against Fulham on the opening night of the Premier League season, the 31-year-old is under the microscope for his part in Danny Welbeck’s opening goal for the Seagulls.

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Maguire’s failure to block a cross when he looked well placed to do so ultimately led to former Man Utd star Welbeck tapping home for his 100th career goal.

TNT Sports analyst Ally McCoist commented at the time: “Maguire’s got to deal with that.”

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Maguire has to ‘own the situation’ – Rio Ferdinand

During the half-time interval, meanwhile, former Man Utd defender Rio Ferdinand picked apart the mistake of the centre-back.

“Man Utd have defended up the pitch very, very today, but there’s a couple of things here,” Ferdinand said as a replay of the goal was shown. “It’s a great ball that he puts in, it really asks questions of the defenders, but they don’t deal with it.

“Harry Maguire’s in there. He’s in a good position initially to defend it but he moves backwards instead of going towards the ball. I understand why, it’s wet and he’s worried about putting the ball into his own goal, but he’s got to go there and own the situation, clear your lines early. That’s why you do reps and reps of crosses coming in, for those situations there.”

Maguire, who is out of contact next summer, is unlikely to get too many more opportunities with De Ligt waiting in the wings to replace him.