Rio Ferdinand insists Manchester United captain Harry Maguire needs luck to return to top form

Rio Ferdinand insists Manchester United captain Harry Maguire needs some luck to turn his recent woes around, as he continues to face intense criticism. 

The 29-year-old defender was appointed captain at Old Trafford back in January 2020, just five months after becoming the world’s most expensive defender by signing for £80million from Leicester.

Maguire has been lambasted this season for his below-par performances and costly mistakes during a tough campaign for the Red Devils. 

The 29-year-old has come under intense criticism for his below-par performances this season

In October, it was reported that during a team meeting after their 4-2 defeat by Leicester, some players ripped into each other, with one even questioning Maguire’s selection as captain.

After poor displays in matches against Burnley and Southampton last month, it was also claimed that team-mates have privately questioned Ralf Rangnick’s decision to keep playing Maguire.

But former Red Devils centre back Ferdinand has backed the England international to return to his best provided he can ride the storm and get luck back on his side.

On his podcast, Ferdinand has insisted all players go through poor moments in their careers

‘What’s killing him is it seems week after week something is questioning something about Harry Maguire and it’s quite glaring,’ Ferdinand said on his podcast Vibe with Five.

‘We’ve all been moments like this – in my career it happened. A lot of the time it’s luck.

‘He’s going through a period where everything you do there seems to be a problem, there’s a mistake. 

Ferdinand has also likened Maguire’s rough patch this season to struggles in his own career  

‘Every mistake you make, it gets punished and highlighted. Sometimes – I went through moments in my career when I made mistakes but they didn’t score, or the keeper pulled me out of it – or Vidic made a tackle. 

‘And that’s what happens in teams. It’s about rising that little bit of luck you need – and Harry Maguire needs that little bit of luck to get out of this little dip in form he is having right now.’

Maguire has made 24 appearances in the Premier League this campaign and scored one goal.