Both Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw have been criticised by former Manchester United full-back Paul Parker
Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker is the latest ex-player to criticise members of the current squad. The pundit has sent a ruthless message to defenders Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, saying that they should have left the club ‘a long time ago’.
Both players were named in the starting line-up for Michael Carrick‘s first game in charge. Maguire in particular was praised for his performance as United came out as 2-0 winners over rivals Manchester City.
Despite that, Parker’s criticism is the latest from former United players. There has been a war of words between Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Lisandro Martinez in recent days, with another former defender in Rio Ferdinand, jumping to the defence of Martinez.
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Former captain Roy Keane was scathing in his assessment of the situation at Old Trafford in an explosive rant on Sky Sports ahead of the Manchester Derby. Maguire’s performance in that game issued an immediate response.
But it seems that the United defender, along with teammate Shaw, will have to continue those performances if they are to change Parker’s mind.
Speaking to MyBettingSites.co.uk, Parker said: “I think Maguire and Shaw are a symbol of what has gone wrong at Man United, and I can’t get my head around people thinking they are the solution. Both of them should have been offloaded a long time ago, but they are still here collecting their paychecks.
“The fact that they are still here is a joke. Are they the worst players in the team? No, but they have been here for so long, taking up space in the squad and performing below what you expect from a Manchester United player.
“Has it been impossible to get rid of them? It is definitely a possibility that they just like being part of Manchester United and earning a lot of money, but that tells me a lot about their ambitions. If they had real ambition, they would move on to a club where they could make a difference. They can play at Manchester United, but they can’t make a difference.
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“None of them are getting better. At their age, they have to realise that it is time to move on. They have no future at the club.
“Listen, it is hard sometimes, I know that. I was told I didn’t have a future at Manchester United, but Gary Neville did. That’s life, and you just have to move on.
“I think when they are done playing football one day, they will realise that they made a mistake by staying for so long. Can I blame them? Yes and no. They were offered a contract and they took it, which is completely fair, but at some point you have to look yourself in the mirror and accept that you have nothing to offer.
“Can they do a good job under Carrick? Maybe, if he changes the playing style drastically, and he might have to if he wants to keep his job. But the way Manchester United should be going forward, being attack-minded, just doesn’t suit them.”
Maguire did come close to leaving United back in 2023, with the club reportedly agreeing a fee with West Ham United. However, the deal collapsed at the personal terms stage with Maguire remaining at Old Trafford.
He has reportedly been the subject of enquiries so far this month, but Carrick is reportedly adamant in his wish to keep hold of the centre-back this month. The interim boss is said to want the club to reject any offers that come in for Maguire between now and the end of the transfer window.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
