Pundit issues verdict on Man United axing Harry Maguire permanently after decision made
Harry Maguire will be axed from the Man United XI once again for Sunday’s derby against Man City before he is re-instated into the team.
That is the view of former Spurs and England number one Paul Robinson, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Ralf Rangnick’s decision to drop the 28-year-old.
Maguire watched on from the bench as the Red Devils shared a goalless draw with Watford on Saturday at Old Trafford.
Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane were preferred by Rangnick and both players produced solid displays.
An £80million signing from Leicester City in 2019, Maguire has come under intense scrutiny for his performances this season.
The England international’s captaincy has also been in question with suggestions Cristiano Ronaldo should assume the duty.
Robinson believes Rangnick is taking Maguire out of the firing line and expects him to return to the starting XI against Tottenham on 12 March.
“Maguire is a player struggling for form,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“I think Rangnick has just taken him out of the firing line because there is a lot of scrutiny and criticism going his way. There has been discussion about his captaincy as well as his performances.
“The manager will not take him out permanently. It will just be a couple of games. This will just be a break to give him a breather.
“When you are not playing well, it is difficult for a player. You get tunnel visioned into thinking you need to keep playing. Sometimes the best thing to do is to step away and take a break. You cannot see that as a player but a good manager can spot that.
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