England star Jordan Pickford urges for more respect for Manchester United captain Harry Maguire
Jordan Pickford has urged fans to show more respect towards England and Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire. The Everton shot-stopper feels the criticism towards the 29-year-old has been unfair.
The defender made his way to the Red Devils in the summer of 2019 from Leicester City. And the England international had a few decent seasons before his form dipped at the Old Trafford side.
Speaking at the Three Lions’ press conference (h/t Manchester Evening News), Pickford understands that one is under the cosh as a footballer. However, the goalkeeper disapproves of the treatment Maguire has been getting.
“Part of being a footballer is being criticised, as everyone gets criticised in football. But of course, he needs to be respected a lot more, although Harry is mentally strong and takes it really well.”
“I think it’s a bit unfair but his performances on the pitch show why he has so many caps for England and is captain of Man United.”
England took on Iran in their opening game of Group B at the World Cup. The Three Lions beat Team Melli 6-2. And Maguire had a decent outing for Gareth Southgate’s team. Overall, he was solid in defence and provided the assist for Bukayo Saka’s first goal.
However, while the English manager seems to trust the 29-year-old, the same cannot be said about Erik ten Hag. The former Leicester star started in the first two games of the season for United. And we lost to Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford.
Since then, the Dutch manager has dropped Maguire to the bench. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have been the former Ajax head coach’s preferred defensive pairing. The France and Argentine stars have made us relatively less shaky at the back.
After the last international break, the 29-year-old suffered an injury which kept him on the sidelines for a while. And since then, the English centre-back has apparently fallen further down the pecking order.
In the last few weeks before the start of the World Cup break, Varane had been out due to an injury. And instead of Maguire, Ten Hag opted to play Victor Lindelof alongside Martinez when he was available.
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Thus, while the abuse the 29-year-old receives is uncalled for, many fans feel it would be wise for the defender to move away from United to revive his career.
