Nemanja Matic believes criticism on social media may have affected Harry Maguire at Manchester United

Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has said that social media could play playing a part in Harry Maguire’s recent struggles.

Back in 2019, United completed the deal to sign Maguire from Leicester City in a deal worth a reported £80 million.

Maguire was then made United’s captain by then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

However, in recent years, Maguire’s performances have been put under the microscope.

Under Erik ten Hag, the Englishman has seen his opportunities drastically limited.

The Dutchman has preferred the likes of Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and even Luke Shaw ahead of the 30-year-old.

Maguire’s former teammate, Matic, has spoken about the impact of social media on the defender’s form.

He said: “I can understand why he's playing for England because he's a great player.

“When he signed for United, in his first season he played almost every game and he was one of the best players. The problem today is that if you play two or three games not great, with social media, everyone criticises you - and maybe that affected him.

“But he has to think only about his job, because in football everything can change in a few weeks. His situation doesn't look great at the moment, but he needs to be focused. He's very professional and we'll see what the future brings for him.”

Matic then heaped praise on Marcus Rashford’s performances this season.

He said: “For me, he's one of, if not the best United player.

“He scores so many goals and he just needs to continue. For one player to perform he needs the support of all the team. If United as a team are doing well then always one player will appear a star.

“The good thing is that the star is a striker or winger or midfielder. In previous seasons we had the star of David de Gea and if your goalkeeper is the star that is not good; you are in trouble. I'm happy for Marcus... he's a talented player and a very good person.”

United will be back in Premier League action on Thursday night as they take on Brighton and Hove Albion.