Obi Mikel, however, admitted that Maguire could serve as a valuable option off the bench for Manchester United boss, Carrick.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has offered a critical assessment of Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, insisting he should not be starting for the Premier League giants.
He made his views known recently while speaking on the latest episode of his show, The Obi One Podcast.
Manchester United suffered a shocking 2–0 defeat against newly promoted Hull City in their opening Premier League fixture of the 2026/2027 season. Following the embarrassing loss, veteran defender Maguire came under heavy criticism for his performance during the match.
The Red Devils will, however, attempt to bounce back to winning ways when they host another newly promoted team, Ipswich Town, at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Obi Mikel lashed out at Man United for still depending on the England international, insisting he has never been a reliable centre-back.
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According to the former Super Eagles captain, Maguire does not fit into the club’s system of play and should not be in their starting lineup.
He said, “When your primary centre-back is Harry Maguire, you have an issue. Harry Maguire was never suited to be a Manchester United player; he does not fit the system or the ethos of the club.
“It is astonishing that he has remained there for seven or eight seasons. How has that occurred? I cannot comprehend it.”
Mikel admitted that Maguire could serve as a valuable option off the bench, but insisted there are other defensive options available to Michael Carrick.
He added, “They have Lisandro Martínez, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro; there are capable players in the squad. However, I am perplexed as to why he continues to start. Is he suitable as a squad player due to his experience? Yes. But he should not be starting matches, nor should he be your primary centre-back.”
Criticising Maguire’s style of play, Mikel noted that the seasoned English defender is too slow on the ball and fails to maintain the tempo required to win matches.
