Owen ‘fearful’ for Man Utd defender as ’embarrassing’ trait rears its head once more

Michael Owen is concerned that opposition attackers have worked out Harry Maguire and the Manchester United defender is becoming a liability.

Maguire, 28, has made 132 appearances for the Red Devils after joining from Leicester City in the summer of 2019. He has also played 41 times for England and was a star of Gareth Southgate’s side at the 2018 World Cup. But the Sheffield-born ace has struggled at times this season and been targeted by a few pundits.

Former United stopper Rio Ferdinand aimed a barb at the former Hull City centre-back during the week.

“This season, you’ve seen that [too many below-par performances],” he told BT Sport (via the Mirror). “I’m not sure if that’s a hangover from the Euros physically and mentally, I’m not sure. There hasn’t been the consistency of a player you’d expect of that stature.

Owen has now echoed those thoughts. He was found wanting on many occasions during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Southampton.

Saints on-loan star Armando Broja generally had his way with the Three Lions centre-half. The Albania international was far too quick for the ex-Sheffield United player.

And Maguire could easily have conceded a penalty when he appeared to bring down Broja before treading in his leg. The referee took another view but Owen feels it is symptomatic of the way Maguire is playing.

“I did fear for him and that was quite embarrassing,” he told Premier League Productions, via Metro. “He’s got no pace at the best of times but he was outwitted there. Then you’re thinking don’t try to redeem your mistake, he just got away with it and I don’t think it was a penalty.

“But you are fearful when he’s running towards him – you think are you going to try to do something stupid but he just gets away with it.”

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