Giorgio Chiellini: Harry Maguire is the victim of his £80m price tag

The English centre-back has lost his lineup spot at Manchester United this season.

Giorgio Chiellini believes Harry Maguire is facing unfair expectations due to his expensive transfer to Manchester United.

Maguire spent a horrific 2021-22 season, which saw him come under fire for his disappointing performances in United’s backline.

The new campaign also hasn’t changed much for the United captain. Erik ten Hag has dropped him from his Man Utd lineup, preferring to use the duo of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane at the heart of his side’s defensive setup.

“I am sad for Maguire’s situation because he’s a good player,” Chiellini, who retired from international duty in April with 117 caps to his name, told The Times.

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“They require too much of him. Just because they paid £80m for him, he has to be the best in the world every match? It’s not right.

“The value of the market is dependent on many aspects you can’t control. It’s not your fault. Okay, Maguire maybe is not Rio Ferdinand but he’s good enough.”

Maguire has only played 190 minutes for United so far this season. However, that hasn’t convinced Gareth Southgate to exclude him from England’s squad ahead of the World Cup.

The Three Lions will face Italy in a rematch of the Euro 2020 final on Friday before taking on Germany in their last pre-World Cup friendly three days later.