September 13th 2023.
Harry Maguire has been the target of incessant abuse for months now. The Manchester United defender insists he is more than capable of handling the criticism and scrutiny that comes his way, and has no plans of leaving Old Trafford.
The centre-back faced a barrage of mockery from Scotland fans during Tuesday's friendly win in Glasgow, in which he scored an own goal. After the match, Maguire discussed the criticism he has been receiving and how it has not affected him mentally.
"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 said. "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."
Maguire has faced an uphill battle from the English media, pundits, and even supporters. He also came close to leaving United after West Ham had a £30million bid accepted, but talks broke down over personal terms.
The defender is happy to stay and fight for his place, despite not having started a game in the first four Premier League fixtures this season. "I considered everything 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," Maguire said.
"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."
Maguire is ready to take the heat to protect his team-mates and is prepared to keep taking the brunt of opposition fans' abuse. Despite the criticism, he is devoted to helping Manchester United and is determined to give it his all every time he plays.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
