Siddharth Juyal
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag asserts that Harry Maguire does not deserve boos from his club or country
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag defended former United captain Harry Maguire over boos from club and country fanbase. The England international has faced criticism from football fans and experts for his inconsistencies since signing for the Red Devils.
Maguire has struggled to find game time since United manager Erik ten Hag took over during the summer of 2022. The Dutchman prefers Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as his first-choice centre-backs as Maguire has fallen down the pecking order.
The 30-year-old has kept his place in the national set-up despite the lack of playing time at the club level. However, things can change with the growing pressure from fans pundits, and other English defenders who are performing regularly.
Ten Hag talked (h/t Manchester Evening News) about the relationship between fans and Maguire. He said:
“I’ve not heard it [boos]. All of the fans were supportive of us against Brentford and the games before, I think we have a strong bond with our fans. I don’t think Harry is booed. He doesn’t deserve it. His performance against Brentford and for England he was very good.”
The United manager stripped Maguire of his captaincy during the summer after he failed to keep his starting role.
West Ham United offered a £30m bid for the Englishman during the summer transfer window but the deal fell through. The Red Devils accepted the offer but Maguire was unable to come to terms with the Manchester giant.
The 30-year-old has played only four games in all competitions for the Red Devils while contributing with one assist. Maguire defended himself during the October international break while citing the higher win rate for United with him in defence.
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We think Maguire has faced many unnecessary criticisms from some sections of the club and the nation’s fanbase. However, many fans remember his contribution and service over the years and believe that he deserves more respect. The former United captain has done nothing wrong this season many of his teammates have failed to perform. Maguire deserves as much backing as anyone who wears the United jersey and wears it with passion.
