Rio Ferdinand compares Harry Maguire’s situation to Gerard Pique’s

'It’s like boxing, styles make fights – it’s the same in football'

Rio Ferdinand has defended Harry Maguire amid recent criticism and likened the defender to his former teammate Gerard Piqué. The Manchester United captain has come under criticism this season for his underwhelming performances, with the 29-year-old making several high-profile mistakes as part of a defence that has conceded 42 goals in 31 Premier League matches. Despite this, Maguire has been an integral part of Gareth Southgate's England squad and impressed throughout the Three Lions' run to the Euro 2020 final last summer. Ferdinand believes that the centre-bak - who often plays on the left side on a back three for England - is more suited to international football and fits the Three Lions' style of play better than United's.

Piqué struggled at Old Trafford

The United legend and BT Sport pundit made comparisons to Piqué's struggles under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford before he excelled at Barcelona. "In an England shirt he’s been nothing but phenomenal. He’s been unreal. You can’t say he’s a dead player, he’s been unbelievable for England," said Ferdinand on his Vibe with FIVE YouTube show.

"What I’m saying is, for England he’s been great, but they play a particular way of football that probably suits him.

"Gerard Piqué was at Man United, you could argue that he might not have had the career that he’s had at Barcelona if he stayed at Man United because of the way he plays.

"It’s like boxing, styles make fights – it’s the same in football. The way of Man United’s football, and the way that they are trying to play, hasn’t suited him.

"But also form and confidence. His confidence has taken a big knock and I don’t care who you are, you could be Messi, Ronaldo, Zidane, Mbappé all these players – if their confidence is low they are not the same player."

Vidic says Maguire should ask for a couple of weeks out of the team

• Nemanja Vidić tells Harry Maguire to ask Rangnick for time out of the team
• Alphonso Davies questions why Harry Maguire is captain over Cristiano Ronaldo
• Roy Keane slams Gareth Southgate’s defence of Harry Maguire