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Harry Maguire will have ‘tough moments at Man Utd as his pace is not the best’, says Kleberson

HARRY MAGUIRE will endure "tough moments" because his "pace is not the best", according to former Manchester United star Kleberson.

The England international, 26, has hit the ground running at Old Trafford following his world record £80million switch from Leicester.

 Kleberson has insisted Harry Maguire does not compare to club legend Rio Ferdinand
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Kleberson has insisted Harry Maguire does not compare to club legend Rio Ferdinand

But the former United midfielder, 40, has highlighted his key weakness.

Speaking to , Kleberson said: "Harry Maguire is a big name for any English club.

"In the World Cup he did a good job, but he's going to have a few tough moments in one on one's and his pace is not the best.

"United need to ensure he's helped by a strong midfield, to help cover him and defend as a unit.

"I don't know if he will manage to cover on his own like at times against Chelsea."

Maguire has already established himself as a fan favourite at Old Trafford after his man of the match performance in the 4-0 win over Chelsea.

Kleberson, who left United in 2005 after making just 30 appearances, added: "In the Premier League, you have a lot of good strikers but not as many good defenders.

"Maguire has moved for a lot of money but I think the defenders aren't as good in the league as they were a few years ago, therefore teams need to pay more.

"With Maguire and [Victor] Lindelof, I don't know if [Chris] Smalling and [Phil] Jones need to leave but of course their opportunities to play will be a bit less.

"Especially as the new defenders have played very well in their first opportunity."

Despite being impressed by Maguire, Kleberson has insisted he does not compare to United and England legend Rio Ferdinand.

The Brazilian added: "If you look back, [Rio] Ferdinand was unbelievable. And I don't think anyone could be close to his level of performance.

"His style was totally different to the current United defenders. His commitment to regain the ball was smart, he covered space well against players like [Didier] Drogba.

"I don't see Maguire or Lindelof being able to the same. They're far, far away from Ferdinand. Rio is one of the best I've played with.

"I always knew one-on-one he was going to win the ball, so I could prepare to receive to receive the ball from him and attack. I was 100 per cent sure he would win the ball."

David Moyes revealed he scouted Harry Maguire as Manchester United boss but was put off a potential move because he had a big a***

 

 

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