Football

Why Man City ‘really slipped up’ by missing out on Man Utd defender Harry Maguire


Ex-United star Giles made 99 appearances for the club and feels Maguire’s ability with the ball at his feet could be a difference maker for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

Maguire became the world’s most expensive defender when he moved from Leicester for £80million and enjoyed a man-of-the-match debut against Chelsea.

The Red Devils put four past the Blues as Maguire helped United keep a clean sheet and Giles believes that performance illustrated the effect Maguire can have, and might have had for champions City if they have signed the defender.

“In Harry Maguire’s case, I think he’s a terrific player,” he told Off The Ball.

“And I think Manchester City really slipped up [in not signing him].

“For Manchester City, I think he would have replaced Kompany. But that’s by the way.

“But I think he’s a terrific player. He’s very, very composed on the ball.

“And when you get somebody on the ball as composed as he is, what it does, it gives the midfield players an opportunity to get into position to receive the ball.

“If you get a centre-half who’s a bit panicky on the ball, the midfielders and forward players don’t get into position.

“They don’t have time to get into position. Whereas [Maguire] can hold it and he’s very composed on the ball and he can pick out the right ball.

“And his distribution is good. He’s a top-class player and he’ll be a huge asset for Manchester United.

“But again, when he gets on the ball, [Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba] have to be in a position to receive it.

“He’s not a miracle man and he’s not going to get the ball to them if they’re in a bad position.

“That’s what makes a team. But if they make the right positions, he’s definitely capable of picking out the right pass.

“He’s good in the air and scored a few goals from corner-kicks.

“I think Maguire is worth every penny of the money they spent on him.”



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