Maguire at Chelsea made sense, especially with the World Cup ahead, claims expert

Paul Merson thinks Chelsea missed a trick by not trying to sign Manchester United captain Harry Maguire.

Erik ten Hag benched Maguire for United's game against Liverpool on Monday.

The England defender retained his place among the substitutes for Saturday's trip to Southampton, with Ten Hag favoring the partnership of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.

The latter was superb against the Reds as his side won 2-1 at Old Trafford, although many still have reservations about his ability to thrive as a centre-back in the Premier League.

Maguire will have to be patient for the opportunity to return to Ten Hag's strongest XI, but knows he has to be successful in doing so, especially in a World Cup year.

The 29-year-old has struggled for confidence at club level but has always been excellent for England under Gareth Southgate.

With the World Cup fast approaching, former Arsenal midfielder Merson says he can't see Maguire starting in Qatar if he doesn't play regularly for the Red Devils.

"The World Cup is coming soon, it's November, it's not next year," Merson said on Sky Sports.

"If you don't get into the team and they do a little run and you don't play I don't see how you can play in the World Cup and he's a big part of the England World Cup.

"It would be a massive move for Gareth Southgate."

Maguire has been linked with a shock move to Premier League rivals Chelsea, although the Blues are now close to finalizing the signing of Wesley Fofana from Leicester City meaning it's unlikely. they sign another centre-half before the transfer window closes.

“If I was Chelsea, I would have gone for Harry Maguire. I would have done it,” Merson continued.

"Harry Maguire in a three is very good, trust me he played for England and he never gets ripped for England; he is a good defender in a three.

"Chelsea must play a three, it would have suited Chelsea.

"He's also an English player, sometimes they like English players."

Merson was then asked if he could see Maguire fitting in alongside Thiago Silva, 37, who often operates in the middle of the back three under Thomas Tuchel.

"Maybe he plays on the left at Chelsea, he did with England," he replied.

"You have to remember that Chelsea are also dominating football games. Also, you have Thiago Silva talking to the players.

"It's tough. You know football changes. They could get beaten today by Southampton, you wouldn't be shocked, and then all of a sudden someone else is back (in disgrace)."