Harry Maguire's poor Manchester United form blamed on defensive partners after England selection

Tony Cascarino has leapt to the defence of Harry Maguire as debate rumbles on surrounding the Manchester United captain's contrasting form for club and country.

The 29-year-old suffered a disappointing campaign during an underwhelming season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick. His performances for United prompted criticism from supporters and have led some to question his future with the armband.

However, despite his showings at the 20-time champions, he has remained everpresent with the Three Lions and recently became the most prolific defender after scoring three goals in as many games to help England qualify for this winter's World Cup. Cascarino believes United's defensive issues have contributed to his poor domestic form.

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"He’s never let anyone at England down, in my opinion," he told talkSPORT. "There’s a number of players who have played better for England than their club, that can be quite common with footballers, form is better either way.

"Harry’s had a really difficult season, they could never find a partner for him. Varane came into the football club, it never looked like it worked with Lindelof, he even played towards the end of the season with Phil Jones.

"It’s been a tricky one and they haven’t found a partner for him. Also, you can add in, whether they want to play with a flat back four or a back five or play wing-backs and as a three so Harry hasn’t had a particularly great but Gareth is loyal to people who he really believes can do a great job for England.

"Gareth does look like he wants to play a four going into the World Cup, that may change, but Maguire stays in that team. So is it a strange selection? No.

"But a lot of