Obi Mikel says Harry Maguire shouldn't start for Man United again
Former Chelsea captain John Obi Mikel criticised Manchester United for continuing to start Harry Maguire after the club’s 2-0 opening Premier League loss to newly promoted Hull City. Speaking on his Obi One podcast, Mikel said Maguire has never been a reliable centre‑back and does not fit the club’s system or ethos, adding that it is astonishing the England international has remained a starter for seven or eight seasons.
The former Super Eagles captain argued that while Maguire could be a useful squad player because of his experience, he should not be ahead of defenders such as Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro in the starting XI. Mikel described Maguire as too slow with the ball and unable to maintain the required tempo, urging interim manager Michael Carrick to drop him if United hopes to achieve anything this season.
Manchester United face Ipswich Town at home on Sunday in their first home fixture of the campaign. Will Carrick heed Mikel’s advice and drop Maguire for that clash, or will the Englishman retain his place despite the criticism?