Michael Carrick told he ‘can’t move forward’ with Man Utd star despite new contract | Football
Former Manchester United star Paul Parker claims his old club ‘cannot move forward’ with Harry Maguire in the team.
Maguire has just signed a new contract at Old Trafford until 2027 with the option of a further year, rewarded for his fine form under Michael Carrick.
The former captain struggled for minutes early in the campaign before a thigh problem ruled him during Ruben Amorim’s final months in charge. But he has started every game he has been available for since Carrick took the reins, missing games against Leeds and Chelsea through suspension.
While midfield is an area of the pitch that needs major surgery this summer, United’s options in defence are also under scrutiny. Matthijs de Ligt has not played since the end of November due to a back injury while Lisandro Martinez has also had fitness issues again this season.
Ayden Heaven has impressed filling in for the Argentine who has missed the last three games through suspension with he and Leny Yoro regarded as a partnership for the future on the red half of Manchester.
Former United right-back Parker is big admirer of Heaven and believes he should have got his chance sooner, having had to wait for Carrick’s 12th game in charge for a starting role.
But Parker also took aim at Maguire, questioning his leadership qualities and the faith United have shown in him.
‘He (Heaven) should have been given an opportunity earlier in Carrick’s reign,’ Parker told Metro via Nettobak.
‘I think he’s doing his bit now, but he’s come in and he’s done well. Sometimes he’s a bit rash, but you’ve got to remember how young he is and he’s trying too hard sometimes.
‘He is getting more games, but he’s playing with Harry Maguire, and he’s not a leader on the pitch. He’s earned his contract, I think, in certain ways, because he’s done okay. But if you want to move forward, you don’t move forward with Harry Maguire. So you go out and you get another centre half.
‘You’ve got Martinez and you’ve got Yoro there as well, but you don’t need an older statesman who’s been there. You don’t move forward with Harry Maguire in your team, as far as I’m concerned.’
United have been linked with a new centre-half with Micky van de Ven a popular choice with ex-players should Tottenham get relegated from the Premier League.
Marcos Senesi will be a cost-effective option as he approaches the end of his contract with Bournemouth with Parker also keen for his side to explore a move for Nottingham Forest star Murillo.
‘I think Senesi at Bournemouth (fits the United mould). United should look at him at this moment, and I would look at Murillo at Nottingham Forest, those are the two that I would look at.
‘Someone like Murillo in there, who’s got pace as well as pace is important. I don’t mean that you need van de Ven kind of pace, but you just want someone who’s got a decent recovery.’
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