It's fair to say that Harry Maguire has fallen well short of expectations since signing for Manchester United.
Arriving at the club for a record £80million fee and immediately handed the captain's armband, he initially performed to a reasonable level even if it always looked unlikely that he would justify the amount spent on him.
However, his form has dropped off a cliff over the last 18 months or so. It got to a point where he was a liability every time he took to the pitch, with the only surprise being that he lasted as long as he did in the starting XI before being dropped by Erik ten Hag.
In light of his recent play, many people revisited some old comments from Paul Merson.
Appearing on Sky Sports around the time Maguire's move to Old Trafford went through, the pundit admitted that he could not believe that the centre back had commanded such a high transfer fee.
"I worry for United. I don't see any good business. Harry Maguire £80m is ridiculous."
Paul Merson isn't convinced by Harry Maguire's price tag, is he right?
Watch Manchester United vs Chelsea live on Super Sunday from 4:40pm. pic.twitter.com/JH3TWyiJLh— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 11, 2019
Harry Maguire for £80million is ridiculous. It's ridiculous at the highest level...
You've got to remember that he ripped it up with England, but he played in a three. When you play three at the back, it's for one reason only: the defenders aren't good enough.
You play three defenders because you don't trust them...
Now you're playing with Man United and you're on the halfway line.
The best part of that clip is Clinton Morrison saying Aaron Wan-Bissaka was nailed on to succeed, with the right back turning out to be perhaps an even worse signing than Maguire.
Merson's comments have proven to be largely correct, although he did regret them at the time.
Paul Merson reveals he apologised to Harry Maguire
Much of what Merson said on that occasion has turned out to be true, although he really wishes that wasn't the case.
When asked about those comments when speaking to The Telegraph, he said he wishes Harry Maguire plenty of success. He also revealed that he regretted what he said, calling the player at the time to apologise.
I don’t want to be right on that – I’d rather be wrong. I want England to win the World Cup and Harry Maguire to get the winning goal.
It was just my opinion. I rang up Brendan Rodgers and said, ‘Can you get me Harry Maguire’s number?’ I didn’t feel comfortable with myself. I needed to ring him and say, ‘I don’t agree with the £80m, but I shouldn’t have said that and I’m sorry’.
I went a little bit too far.
He couldn’t believe it. Probably thought it was a joke. I don’t think he has had a fair crack. He’s struggling and he’s playing on the left when he’s right-footed.
Harry Maguire had become somewhat of a scapegoat for the problems at Manchester United, although it is noticeable how the team improved after he was taken out of the starting XI.
It will be interesting to see if he retains his place in the England team for the World Cup, although it seems his long-term future at club level probably lies away from Old Trafford.
