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“A big agenda”: Southgate slams criticism of Man United star who stars for English

Gareth Southgate slams criticism and 'big agenda' against Manchester United star Harry Maguire.
Gareth Southgate slams criticism and 'big agenda' against Manchester United star Harry Maguire. (imago Images)

Gareth Southgate slams criticism and ‘big agenda’ against Manchester United star Harry Maguire

Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire has received the backing of England manager Gareth Southgate amidst a “big agenda” aimed against him. The Three Lions’ head coach has full faith in the 29-year-old.

Maguire has had a hard time of things at the Old Trafford side since the Euro 2020 final. The England international has also lost his place in the starting XI this season under Erik ten Hag.

Speaking on his defensive options via Manchester Evening News, Southgate claimed that some of the players that have been selected are still a bit inexperienced at the national level. And the English manager has fervently backed Maguire amidst the criticism around his selection.

Gareth Southgate slams criticism and 'big agenda' against Manchester United star Harry Maguire.
Gareth Southgate has backed Manchester United captain Harry Maguire amidst criticism. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

“We have had four or five we have selected and are a little bit undercooked with the matches that they have had. But there has also been a big agenda with Harry Maguire against him and I have never known a player to receive the treatment that he has.”

In the previous campaign, Maguire was the main man in United’s backline. The 29-year-old led the line for the Red Devils. However, the Old Trafford side looked shaky at the back and the captain was criticised by the fans.

However, for England, Maguire has always been decent. The 29-year-old has given Southgate no complaints, which is why he seemingly trusts the defender.

The Three Lions’ head coach thought of reminding people of the role Maguire has played in previous major competitions for England. Southgate termed the 29-year-old the national team’s “most important” player.

Harry Maguire has been an important player for Gareth Southgate's England side.
Harry Maguire has been an important player for Gareth Southgate’s England side. (Copyright: Paul Chesterton)

“He has been a crucial part of us getting to a World Cup semi-final – and was named in the Team of the Tournament at the Euros. Across that period, was probably our most important player in that time.”

Maguire has been a constant fixture for England since the 2018 World Cup. The former Leicester City defender was a key member of the team that made it to the semi-final, where the Three Lions lost 2-1 to Croatia.

Last year, during the UEFA European Championships, Maguire missed the first two games due to fitness issues. However, the 29-year-old started every fixture after that, leading the team to the final. England eventually lost to Italy on penalties at Wembley Stadium.

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Maguire is a player whose selection has been a contentious issue for England fans. Supporters feel a player who has not been a regular for their club side should not start for the Three Lions. Will Southgate stick with the 29-year-old during the Qatar World Cup? Only time will tell.

Written by Aheed Abrar

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