Man Utd’s centre‑back dilemma: John Obi Mikel urges Michael Carrick to drop £80m Maguire

In the cramped studio of The Obi One Podcast, former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel turned to Michael Carrick and warned that Harry Maguire “was never a Manchester United player”, urging the former England midfielder to replace the £80 million centre‑back.

Mikel demands a change

The Man listening to the Podcast was Mikel. Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, speaking on Picture: The Obi One Podcast, said “Harry Maguire was never a Manchester United player, never suited the system or the football club”. He added that the fact Maguire has stayed for seven or eight seasons is “incredible” and puzzling.

Maguire’s recent form

Maguire enjoyed a resurgent second half of last season after Carrick’s arrival, yet he only narrowly missed out on Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup. The defender’s form has therefore been under intense scrutiny.

Criticism intensified after United’s 2‑0 defeat to Hull City on the opening day of the new Premier League season. United’s back four, with Maguire alongside Ayden Heaven, conceded twice from set‑pieces against the newly‑promoted opponents.

Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt are still working back to full fitness, while Leny Yoro also provides options, yet Mikel cannot understand why Maguire remains a starter. He questioned whether the veteran is kept for experience rather than as a squad player.

Mikel described Maguire as “slow on the ball, touching it three or four times before releasing it, confused when he has the ball”. He argued a centre‑back must move the ball quicker to set the team’s tempo, something he says Maguire fails to do.

Carrick’s side were disappointing at the weekend, but Carrick defended his players, saying “Two goals conceded any way is frustrating… one game doesn’t change the direction of everything”. He stressed the need to improve set‑piece defending.

United are back in action on Sunday at home to Ipswich Town, giving the manager a chance to reassess the defensive lineup.