Harry Maguire has finally responded to his England criticism while also explains why Manchester United exit collapsed. The defender insists he is more than capable of handling the abuse that has come his way recently.
Maguire’s inclusion in the latest England squad was criticised by many. This is following his only one substitute appearance in the Premier League so far this season. The 30-year-old was mocked mercilessly by Scotland fans in Tuesday’s friendly win in Glasgow. Sadly, the former Red Devils’ skipper scored an own goal in that encounter.
Afterwards, Gareth Southgate had blamed the English media for Maguire’s treatment and scrutiny. The England manager who labelled the criticism a ‘joke’ had also included the pundits and supporters in his blame.
Maguire has now addressed the mockery he has been subjected to in recent months. The defender insists the situation is not affecting him mentally. For him, he is happy to take the heat provided his team-mates are spared of the same kind of treatment.
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‘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. 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.
‘But it was a huge honour (to play for England against Scotland). It was a hostile environment – when you hear the national anthem and the way they disrespect that – and they piled pressure on myself. I would not say I am used to it, but I can deal with it.’
Maguire was close to leaving United after West Ham had a £30million bid accepted. However, talks broke down over personal terms. The defender meanwhile is happy to fight for his place at Old Trafford.
Asked about the failed West Ham move, he continued: ‘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 and I want to do that every time I train or play I will give everything.
He continued: ‘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.
‘Listen, at club football, I want to play games, I want to play football. The first four weeks were hard because it was one game a week and the manager (Erik Ten Hag) didn’t select me, but we have lots of games coming up now and I am sure I will play lots of games.’