‘Troubles him’ - Harry Maguire slammed as former Manchester United player calls for big change

Former Manchester United midfielder Kleberson has called for the club to replace captain Harry Maguire with Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt this summer.

The England international has struggled to produce his best form at Old Trafford this season, and endured another torrid outing on Tuesday evening as Burnley duo Wout Weghorst and Jay Rodriguez combined to deny the Reds all three points in a 1-1 draw at Turf Moor.

That results represented another blow to United’s top four hopes, and Kleberson - who spent to seasons in Manchester - has called for his old club to reconsider their options at the heart of defence.

What has Kleberson said about Harry Maguire?

The former United midfielder delivered a frank appraisal of Maguire’s role in Ralf Rangnick’s side.

Speaking to Paddy Power, he said: “Manchester United look far more assured with Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof at the back, rather than Harry Maguire.

“Harry Maguire is an excellent player and a very experienced one. He organises the back line well, but he has had a tough time this season in the Premier League, particularly in one-vs-one situations and where he has been short of pace. Speed really troubles him.

“By taking a step back out of the team, he [Maguire] will understand how he can improve by seeing what it is that he needs to get better at and how he can play better with the other players around him.

“He will have an opportunity to come back into the first team. But at the moment, it’s tough to keep putting him in the team and letting opponents take advantage.”

The Brazilian also called for the Reds to bolster their ranks at the back in the summer.

He added: “Manchester United need to make some signings at the centre back position to replace Harry Maguire.

“He’s a great player and leader, but there are too many moments that he just doesn’t perform, particularly when he’s one-on-one, or up against pacey players. He needs help defending.

“They need someone faster, stronger in the air, that can anticipate what will happen and that will be able to stop counter attacks.

“I like Matthijs de Ligt, Manchester United tried to bring him in a few years ago, but it didn’t quite work out. Manchester United need a player like him. They need to get someone in there to do a better job.”