Harry Maguire insists he can handle abuse and explains why he stayed at Manchester United
England and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has addressed the abuse he has been subjected to in recent months and insists he is more than capable of handling it. The centre-back also explained why a move away from Old Trafford did not materialise over the summer.
Maguire’s inclusion in the latest England squad was criticised after making just one substitute appearance in the Premier League so far this season and he was mocked mercilessly by Scotland fans in Tuesday’s friendly win in Glasgow, in which he scored an own goal.
Afterwards, manager Gareth Southgate blamed the English media, pundits and even supporters for the treatment and scrutiny Maguire currently faces and labelled the criticism a ‘joke’.
Maguire Addresses Abuse
Maguire has now addressed the mockery he has been subjected to in recent months and insists it is not affecting him mentally, while he is happy to keep taking the heat if it means his team-mates are spared of the same kind of treatment.
“Well, it pretty much takes the pressure away from my team-mates and puts it all on myself! It makes them play better, for sure,” Maguire told reporters after the 3-1 win over Scotland.
“I would not say I am a person who struggles with pressure mentally. I have been through a lot in the last couple of years and I have been Manchester United captain for nearly four years. You take a huge lot of responsibility and everything that comes with it – and that is a lot of bad as well as good.”
Failed West Ham Move
Maguire came close to leaving United after West Ham had a £30million bid accepted but talks broke down over personal terms, though the 30-year-old is happy to fight for his place at Old Trafford.
“How can I put this? We just didn’t come to an agreement and they were happy for me to stay and I was happy to fight for my place. I want to do that and every time I train or play I will give everything.”
“I considered everything (in the summer) and I know, at the moment, when I have not started a game in the first four of the season, the story comes to me. I finished off last season with two very strong performances for England and I have played in all five matches to help put us where we are in qualifying, so I need to keep performing when I get chosen.”
Conclusion
Harry Maguire has addressed the abuse he has been subjected to in recent months and insists he is more than capable of handling it. The centre-back also explained why a move away from Manchester United did not materialise over the summer, as he is happy to fight for his place at Old Trafford.
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