Harry Maguire has experienced criticism as a Manchester United player and knows how to deal with it.
There has been a big turnaround from Harry Maguire at Manchester United, especially this season, with the England international performing better than other defenders at the club.
Maguire started to play better when Erik ten Hag removed his captaincy duties.
Although Maguire was given less responsibility and more time to focus on his own game, the 31-year-old remains a leader Ruben Amorim can call upon when required.
Maguire is not the only United player who has had to deal with criticism from the fans, but he has enough experience dealing with it to help his team-mates.
United’s first team are under fierce scrutiny as they sit in the bottom half of the Premier League table. The only to turn things around is by winning football matches which they will hope to do against Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Harry Maguire sent private message to Joshua Zirkzee
Maguire attended a pre-match press conference alongside Amorim on Wednesday afternoon.
The centre-back took the time to defend United striker Joshua Zirkzee, who has received lots of criticism recently.
Zirkzee was jeered during United’s 2-0 defeat against Newcastle on 30 December while coming off as a substitute.
The Netherlands international has had a mixed start to life at Old Trafford, but Maguire is confident that he is good enough to make a difference at United.
Maguire also revealed that he sent a private message to Zirkzee after he was jeered.
“I sent him a private message after the [Newcastle] game,” Maguire told reporters.
“Listen, Joshua is a good player – you don’t play for this club if you’re not a good player. We have amazing fans who stick with us through thick and thin. It’s not about individuals.”
Maguire takes inspiration from United legends
Even though Maguire is no longer captain, he remains one of United’s leaders in the dressing room.
Maguire revealed that he takes inspiration from the likes of Wayne Rooney and David Beckham on how to carry himself and respond to criticism.
“I wouldn’t put it down to that, whether I’m captain or not, I see myself as a leader in this group of player,” Maguire added.
“I’m experienced and now playing for this club, there are ups and downs. It’s part and parcel of playing for this club. I look at previous players and the likes of Rooney and Beckham, they had a large amount of scrutiny on them and they’re world-class players.”
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