Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson would love to have Manchester United captain Harry Maguire at St James’ Park.
Speaking on BBC’s Footballer’s Football Podcast alongside West Ham United striker Michail Antonio, the marksmen spoke about the abuse Maguire has constantly been on the receiving end of in recent years.
The 29-year-old is no doubt in the midst of the toughest period of his career, as he finds himself out of favour under Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford ahead of next month’s World Cup in Qatar.
Maguire, who is currently recovering from a thigh injury he picked up against Germany last month, looks nailed on to form part of Gareth Southgate’s World Cup despite potentially heading to the Middle East lacking match fitness.
Being captain of the Red Devils and being the world’s most expensive defender has resulted in the scrutiny he receives going through the roof.
The former Leicester City man will likely be the first to admit his performances haven’t been up to scratch, but being booed when representing your country and constantly being on the receiving end of a barrage of abuse and hate on social media isn’t going to help resurrect his seemingly stagnating career.
Callum Wilson would have Harry Maguire at Newcastle United
United’s number five hasn’t started a Premier League game since the twenty-time league champions were battered 4-0 by Brentford in mid-August.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez became Ten Hag’s first choice pairing and Victor Lindelof has also impressed since coming into the side to replace the Frenchman who picked up an ankle injury away at Manchester City.
Right now, the 48-time England international is realistically Manchester United’s fourth choice centre-back.
But speaking on their latest podcast, both Wilson and Antonio spoke about their worries surrounding Maguire, due to the constant avalanche of abuse he is on the receiving end of.
It was World Mental Health Day on Monday, and Antonio said: “There is one person I have always thought about and been worried about over the last couple of years, and that is Harry Maguire.
“The amount of stick he’s been getting just constantly – end of the day he is a footballer – he’s out there to do a job, but the amount of stick he gets it is everywhere.
“He cannot hide from it. People need to start realising that he is a human being – I understand about giving him stick, but if you want to give stick – give it that night [after the game] and then leave it, let it go and let the boy live.
“The last couple of years all I’ve seen is loads of memes and so much shade thrown at this guy. How is he meant to rejuvenate his career when all you can do is constantly see negativity about yourself.
“You can try and stay strong as much as you can and want, but if people are constantly trying to pull you down, sometimes it’s going to affect you.”
Wilson, who echoed Antonio’s comments, said he would take Maguire in his team “every day of the week”.
Newcastle’s number nine, who has scored three Premier League goals this season, said: “I rate Harry so highly – I’ve played with him, I’ve trained with him – he’s a top defender.
“I’ve played against him – he’s difficult to play against, and we all make mistakes. No one goes out onto the field to try and make a mistake or give the ball away.
“But when you’re doing that, and it happens to you – you want people getting behind you and all his teammates will be behind him, but you also need friends, family and the fans.
“I feel for Harry because he’s an unbelievable player and this tricky little period won’t last – he’ll work his way out of it because he’s that type of character.
“It’s a shame to see as a fellow pro and someone who has played with him and against him and knows he’s a good player.
“I’d take him in my team every day of the week! That’s how I rate him. It’s a shame but when you’re such a high-profile player and you play for Manchester United and England, you’re under the spotlight a lot more and your mistakes are scrutinised a lot more.”
At the end of last month, United and England teammate Luke Shaw said that he felt Maguire receives more criticism than “ever seen before in football”.
Manchester United face Wilson’s Newcastle at Old Trafford on Sunday.
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