Harry Maguire blames Manchester United team-mate for his poor form

The England defender has lost his place in United’s starting XI, with Erik ten Hag opting to drop Maguire after United lost against Brentford and Brighton in the side’s first two matches of the season.

United have won all four league matches since Ten Hag decided to pair Lisandro Martinez with Raphael Varane, and Maguire has been limited to appearances in the Europa League.

Maguire was heavily criticised by supporters last season, as the defender bore the brunt of the frustrations of fans who watched their side finish 6th.

But ESPN say Maguire feels he has been let down by his team-mates and coaches, who have not played to his strength.

The defender feels he should be surrounded by more pace in the backline to help him, while the side’s tactics have often left him exposed.

But it’s claimed Maguire feels most ‘frustrated’ with goalkeeper De Gea.

The Spaniard has long been criticised for his reluctance to come off his line and that, coupled with Maguire’s lack of pace, has given opponents plenty of room to play in behind United’s defence.

Added to that, Maguire feels De Gea’s lack of communication has contributed to his poor form as the defence has lacked leadership from the back.

Martinez’s arrival from Ajax is said to have ‘eased’ De Gea’s communication problems as he can communicate with him in Spanish but the goalkeeper has been in England since 2011 and is in his 12th season at Old Trafford.

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