Roy Keane says he is worried about Harry Maguire’s lack of “pace on the turn” costing Manchester United this season.
Maguire joined the Red Devils from Leicester City for £80m in the summer – a world-record fee for a defender – and has made a promising start to his Old Trafford career.
Maguire’s start to life at United: Five things to know…
- Maguire joined Man United for £80m in the summer.
- Since then, they’ve won just one Premier League game.
- However, Maguire has impressed so far earning the nickname ‘The Beast’ from his teammates.
- The England defender has won more aerial duels (20) than any other Man United player.
- But Keane believes his lack of pace on the turn could hurt Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
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The England international has won more aerial duels (20) and made more interceptions (8) in the Premier League than any other Man United player so far this season.
But despite that, Keane still believes Maguire is susceptible on the turn, highlighting his lack of pace as something which could come back to haunt United.
“I think he’s done OK,” Keane told ITV.
“We were talking about how good he is on the ball, but defensively 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.”
Man United take on Maguire’s former club Leicester at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Wright: Maguire worth the money
The £80m fee United had to pay for Maguire’s services left many surprised, while Keane is still to be convinced of the 26-year-old’s true quality.
But that view isn’t shared by former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright, who is adamant Maguire is worth the money the Red Devils parted with in the summer transfer window.
“He’s a good footballer, he’s a very good footballer,” said Wright.
“He’s gone up the leagues, he’s got better. Now he’s got to Man Utd and it’s the pinnacle really.
“They’ve paid that money for him because he’s worth the money.”