Harry Maguire needs Manchester United break insists legend Nemanja Vidic as he suggests defender skips 'harder matches'

Former Manchester United centre-back Nemanja Vidic has suggested Harry Maguire could benefit from taking some time away from Old Trafford as the England defender continues to struggle for form.

Maguire unwittingly deflected Anthony Gordon's shot past David de Gea in United's defeat at Everton on Saturday and the unfortunate incident followed the 29-year-old being booed by a vocal contingent of England supporters at Wembley during a 3-0 win over the Ivory Coast last month.

The Serb won the 2008 Champions League with United but wasn't without his own difficult spells and believes that Maguire could benefit in the longer term by taking some time away.

Vidic told The Athletic : “Every player has a problem with form at some time in his career. I did and it’s clear that Maguire is not at his best this season.

"I think you can do a few things and one of them is not to play every match as you try to find form again and get confidence. A coach could play him in easier games, not that there are many in the Premier League, and take him out for harder matches.

"The player needs to feel powerful and strong on the pitch again, not as it is now where he feels that it’s not happening for him. It’s difficult to play well when you’re under so much pressure because people are waiting for you to make a mistake."

When asked specifically about the advice he'd offer Maguire, Vidic alluded to his own struggles during a decorated playing career.

He said: "It’s not a problem if a player says to his coach that he’s not feeling great on the pitch. If he says: ‘Give me a break, give me a couple of weeks to regroup and train well and then play again’.

"I had some horrible games for United and needed to find my peace and grow again."

Manchest