Posted by Chinenye on Fri 28th Aug, 2026 - tori.ng
Manchester United are already facing serious questions after a shocking opening-day defeat, and John Obi Mikel has now added fuel to the fire.
(Obi Mikel. Photo Credit: Daily Post)
Former Chelsea player John Obi Mikel has criticized Manchester United for continuing to depend on Harry Maguire as their main centre-back, saying the England defender has never been reliable enough for the role.
Mikel believes manager Michael Carrick needs to drop Maguire from the starting lineup if the club wants to succeed this season.
He made his comments after United lost 2-0 to newly promoted Hull City in their opening Premier League match.
Maguire came under fire for his display in that defeat.
Speaking on his podcast, Mikel said the problem starts with having Maguire as the primary centre-back.
He argued that Maguire was never the right fit for Manchester United and does not suit the club's system or values.
He expressed disbelief that Maguire has been at the club for seven or eight seasons.
Mikel acknowledged that Maguire could be useful as a backup option but should not be starting matches.
He pointed out that United have other capable defenders like Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro available.
Yet Carrick keeps choosing Maguire to lead the defence, which Mikel said makes no sense.
The former Nigeria captain also criticized Maguire's playing style.
He said the veteran defender is too slow on the ball and cannot maintain the pace required at United's level.
United will try to bounce back on Sunday when they host newly promoted Ipswich Town in their first home match of the season.