HARRY MAGUIRE is in for a nightmare if he plays against super-fast Chelsea striker Timo Werner today, according to former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson.
The Manchester United centre-half has been caught out before for pace – and was sent off for England against Denmark as he struggled to cope with a superior opponent in the running stakes.
Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire will be roasted by Timo Werner if he plays against the Chelsea man tonight, says Glen JohnsonCredit: PA:Press Association
Maguire, 27, is having a torrid time having been arrested and charged with assaulting a police officer in Greece, before being let-off.
He has also had a mare on the pitch, with a series of disappointing displays for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United side.
And that could continue if he plays against Frank Lampard’s Chelsea today, as Blues have pace in abundance.
Solskjaer is set to continue with three at the back and include youngster Axel Tuanzebe after his stunning performance in the 2-1 win over PSG in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Chelsea striker Timo Werner could cut Harry Maguire to shreds if he plays against the Manchester United man todayCredit: AP:Associated Press
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set to keep faith with young defender Axel Tuanzebe against Chelsea todayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
United fans hope Tuanzebe starts ahead of skipper Maguire.
Johnson told Optus Sport: “If I’m Timo Werner, I’d be like, ‘Please play Maguire!’, I really would.
“But on that last performance, if I’m Tuanzebe, I’d be thinking: ‘Why aren’t I playing?’.”
Werner, 24, struck twice against Southampton last week and looks to be finding his feet after his £48million move to London in the summer.
The Germany international scored 35 goals last term.
Solksjaer has been hugely impressed with Tuanzebe and could partner him with Maguire and Shaw against the Blues.
He said: “We’ve always known Axel is a very good centre-back and if he keeps fit and stays fit he’ll play a lot of games for us.
“He’s got all the attributes a centre-back at Man United needs. He can play right-back and centre-mid.
“For me now, it’s about keeping him injury-free, keeping him consistently out there on the training ground and playing games so he’s got all the work, because he’s missed too much football early on in his career.
“We believe in the kid, that’s for sure. He’s proven that in glimpses but now it’s about being consistent.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk