Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has tipped Harry Maguire to turn his poor United form around after scoring successive goals during the recent international break.
The 28-year-old nodded England in front in big wins over Albania and San Marino as the Three Lions secured their place in the 2022 World Cup, with Maguire becoming the most prolific English defender in the process.
Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has come under the spotlight for their recent torrid performances and form, with the United skipper also under the spotlight for some below-par performances.
United didn't cover themselves in glory prior to the international break with their fixtures dominated by disappointment as they were battered 5-0 by Liverpool before Manchester City coasted to a 2-0 victory on the eve of the break.
The Reds captain has been a target for fans and pundits alike for his displays on the pitch, but Berbatov has backed him to turn things around.
He told Betfair : "After his international break, Maguire will be feeling charged, full of positive energy, believing in himself and he will hope that his teammates will feel the same. It's important for him no correct previous mistakes and I'm sure he will be up for it.
"We all know United are going through a difficult period but his performances for England will definitely help him to start again and get back on the right track. I hope he does, because he is the captain of the club and he is leading the defence."
But his two goals for England didn't see the microscope veer away from the former Leicester City defender as his celebration in the aftermath of the opener against Albania drew criticism.
Maguire cupped his ears with his hands, seemingly firing back at his critics, but Berbatov feels his emotions got the better of him and has urged him to concentrate on celebrating clean sheets for United.
He added: "Harry Maguire had a good time on international duty and he got himself on the scoresheet in both matches.
"Against Albania I saw his goal celebration and a lot of players when they score goals do something similar, maybe it's because their ears are hurting.
"In the case of Harry Maguire, he has had his bad moments for United, people have been pointing the finger at him as the captain. So, for him as a centre back to score twice it will be a great feeling and maybe the emotions took over, his way of saying 'I'm trying my best'.
"This celebration is usually reserved for strikers who are getting criticism for not scoring, but for Maguire as a defender he should figure out a celebration for when he keeps a clean sheet.
"I get it though, we're all human beings and criticism can get too much. We all try our best, sometimes things don't work out and people make mistakes, just try to correct them."
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