Maguire backed for Van Dijk-like impact at Man United by Liverpool great Souness

Manchester United are closing in on Harry Maguire and Graeme Souness thinks he could improve them like Virgil van Dijk did Liverpool.

Published : Aug 04, 2019 00:54 IST

Harry Maguire and Jamie Vardy with Leicester City
Harry Maguire and Jamie Vardy with Leicester City
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Harry Maguire and Jamie Vardy with Leicester City

Harry Maguire's imminent signing for Manchester United could prove to be a game-changer akin to Liverpool buying Virgil van Dijk, according to Anfield great Graeme Souness.

England international Maguire has long been linked with some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, with United and Manchester City emerging as the front-runners following the conclusion of last season.

But after weeks of speculation, Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed on Friday the Foxes and United had reached an agreement over a fee for the centre-back.

READ : Man United makes Harry Maguire most expensive defender

United is reported to be paying £80million, which will see Maguire usurp Liverpool star Van Dijk as the world's most expensive defender, having arrived at the Reds for an estimated £75m in January 2018.

Many baulked at the fee paid for Van Dijk at the time, but he was instrumental in turning Liverpool into a Champions League winner and pushing City all the way in the Premier League title race last term.

And Liverpool icon Souness expects Maguire to have a huge impact at Old Trafford.

Speaking to Omnisport at Brighton and Hove Pride on behalf of PaddyPower, Souness said: "I'm a big fan, they're the best two centre-backs out there at this time.

"I really like Maguire. Anyone who gets him, well that's now United, he will improve them. Will it be five per cent, two per cent, 10 per cent?

READ : Liverpool boss Klopp rails against Premier League start date

"Van Dijk, along with the Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, they improved Liverpool enormously. All of a sudden, they weren't vulnerable at the back and that spreads throughout the team, and you become a far more solid unit.

"Liverpool are right now a team that doesn't have any obvious weaknesses. If you're playing against them, who do you target?

"I suppose United have to get back to being that, a team no one likes playing against. Certainly, last year people enjoyed playing against them because they were vulnerable.

"I suppose United will be hoping Maguire does a Van Dijk and brings them all along, makes everyone feel better about themselves and play better."

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