Harry Maguire receives more criticism than “ever seen before in football”, says Luke Shaw

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Manchester United and England centre-back Harry Maguire receives more criticism than “ever seen before in football”, says Luke Shaw.

The Red Devils’ under-fire captain apologised for the errors he made in last night’s 3-3 draw against Germany at Wembley, in the UEFA Nations League.

Like Shaw, Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate has stuck by the world’s most expensive defender despite the former Leicester City man currently being on the periphery of Erik ten Hag’s plans.

United’s number five has started five of the last six club games on the bench with the Dutchman favouring Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez over the 29-year-old.

Harry Maguire receives more criticism than “ever seen before in football” says Luke Shaw

Despite starting back-to-back games for England against Italy and Germany, Maguire’s performances aren’t likely to earn him a recall for United’s trip to Manchester City on Sunday.

But Maguire’s club and international teammate Shaw has leapt to the defence of Maguire.

“Harry is an amazing player, an amazing character,” Shaw told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“He’s taken a lot of stick – probably more than I’ve ever seen before in football.

“He never hides away, he’s always there. You can have people who can hide away and not want to be in the spotlight. He keeps putting himself in the spotlight, it shows the strength and character he’s got.

“Everybody knows he’s an unbelievable player. At the moment the confidence might not be there because it could feel like the whole world is against him.

“It’s tough for him, but us as players and staff are all behind him because he’s a very important player. It shows Gareth’s trust because he’s played in both games [this week] – and look at the Euros what he’s done.

“People need to understand he’s a big part of the England team and have to accept it.”

Luke Shaw speaks about his own situation

Like Maguire, left-back Shaw is not a regular for United and has made just two Premier League appearances so far this campaign – both coming in August, the last of which saw him hooked at half-time in the 4-0 hammering at Brentford.

Despite playing second fiddle to Tyrell Malacia at club level, the 27-year-old featured in both England games this week, and he scored against Germany last night.

“It obviously shows the trust Gareth has in me,” said Shaw.

“But also from a club respective I know the first two games [this season] weren’t good enough and of course I fully understand the manager has to make decisions. Now the team have been winning we have to bide our time.

“The only thing I can do is keep supporting the team, keep training hard and of course just wait for my time. If I put my head down and not really care, it will be a bigger hill to climb when I want to play.

“I’ve got to keep working hard and understand my situation, and it’s up to me to keep working hard and keep training well and hopefully just wait for the chance.”