Harry Maguire has been criticised following Man Utd's loss to Crystal Palace (Image: GETTY)
Harry Maguire was “very lazy” in attempting to defend Crystal Palace’s opening goal in their win over Manchester United last weekend, claims Liverpool legend Phil Thompson.
Palace pulled off a surprise result at Old Trafford, with Patrick van Aanholt striking deep into second-half stoppage time to secure a 2-1 win.
It was Jordan Ayew who opened the scoring for the Eagles in the first half.
The striker was set free on goal after Jeffrey Schlupp flicked on a long ball when beating United centre-back Victor Lindelof in the air.
You can’t do that, not at any level. He’s very lazy and that’s what that is
Phil Thompson on Man Utd star Harry Maguire
Maguire was not in a position to cover for his team-mate and Ayew slotted past goalkeeper David de Gea.
And Thompson has made his feelings clear on Maguire’s role in the goal while appearing on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday programme.
He says Maguire wrongly presumed Lindelof would beat Schlupp in the air and should have covered for him.
“Maguire’s better than that,” Thompson said.
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Harry Maguire lost his first game as a Man Utd player against Crystal Palace (Image: GETTY)
“That’s lazy defending, because he’s gone up, you can see him there, if you do any coaching with the defenders, that is bog standard.
“When a long ball comes, the full-back or the other centre-back gets round the back.
“That ball’s come about 50-60 yards. Harry Maguire’s thinking ‘[Lindelof’s] going to win that’ - you can’t do that, not at any level.
“He’s very lazy and that’s what that is.
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