By Sam Preston

United fans react to Keane's comments about Maguire

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire opened the scoring for England in their 5-0 win over Albania last night.

He celebrated by sticking his fingers in his ears while doing a kneeslide, trying to send a pointed message about the criticism he has been facing lately.

Former United skipper Roy Keane was watching the game in the ITV studio and was not at all impressed with the celebration.

“He puts his hands to his ears as if he’s shutting the critics up but I think that’s embarrassing,” said Keane.

“He’s been a disgrace the last few months for Man United. He thinks if he scores there, he’s going to shut his critics up. Embarrassing.”

Keane was right to criticise Maguire, and he obviously did so in his own inimitable style.

Maguire has been poor defensively this season and one goal at international level will not change that.

As per the Mail, Maguire said after the game: “No, it wasn’t directed at no-one. It was a knee slide, I obviously put my hands on my ears, but no.

“I’m Manchester United captain, of course I’m going to get criticism when the team isn’t doing well, I fully expect that – but of course it’s not directed at no-one.”

Keane and many United fans would rather Maguire proved his point with solid performances on the field.

The best that can be hoped is the goal and clean sheet for England will boost his confidence for when he gets back to club duty.

Maguire and the rest of his backline were not overly troubled by Albania at any stage last night and the game was out of sight before half-time.

Here is how Keane’s comments went down with some United fans on Twitter…

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Sam Preston

Sam Preston is an NCTJ gold standard news and sports journalist who studied with the Press Association. He also has a 2:1 law with French law degree from the University of Birmingham, which included a year studying at Bordeaux Montaigne University. He is an FA Level 1 football coach who appeared on the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire show in 2018 and has also written digital football content and match-day programme pieces for Colchester United, Mansfield Town and Stockport County.