There was a time when Harry Maguire faced criticism for every move.
The England and Manchester United centre-back has since bounced back from that period, proving to be a key player for club and country when called upon.
Previously booed by his own fans, Harry Maguire suffered ridiculous treatment from the stands, with the abuse going far beyond football.
Maguire’s upturn in form came after Erik ten Hag stripped the defender of the captaincy role at Old Trafford. This took a mountain of pressure off the player’s shoulders as he started to enjoy his football again.
After United added to their defensive department in the summer, with the signings of Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, many thought Maguire would fall down the pecking order.
However, that wasn’t the case since the defender is admired by Ruben Amorim. Maguire tends to start games when fit.
Despite being linked with a move to West Ham last summer, Maguire decided to stay at the club and turn around his situation after suffering from over-the-top abuse for years.
Alessandro Bastoni reacts to pressure on Man Utd players
Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni is no stranger when it comes to criticism.
The 25-year-old Italy international believes anyone who signs for United has to deal with more difficulties, including abuse on social media.
Bastoni believes there is a deep-rooted problem at United after paying close attention to Maguire’s situation.
“The Maguire situation? It’s a tough situation for him,” Bastoni told Tuttosport. “It’s normal when you get paid a lot that the pressure increases.
“We know it’s difficult at Manchester United, anyone who goes there finds themselves in difficulty.
“I understand it a little, there’s often a lack of respect towards us. You can’t insult my family or wish me dead because I made a mistake. Social media has brought this unhealthy thing.
“For example, I’m talking about the Inter fan who whistles at one of their players or insults him on social media, it’s counterproductive. I go and read the comments; it bothers me to see certain things.
“Then maybe it happens that they find you around and ask you for a photo. It’s up to you to distinguish people’s criticisms. There’s a malice and envy that’s scary.”
If this is the impression footballers get when it comes to United, Ineos need to work on changing the environment at the club.
Perhaps signing players renowned for dealing with pressure is one solution, though it doesn’t excuse the abuse Maguire has been subject to over the years.
Bastoni previously linked to Manchester United
Interestingly, Bastoni speaks about the pressures of playing for United having previously been linked with a move to the Premier League club.
It was suggested that United were eyeing a move for Bastoni last summer, although Ineos opted to sign De Ligt and Yoro instead.
Manchester United list of defenders
- Victor Lindelof
- Noussair Mazraoui
- Matthijs de Ligt
- Harry Maguire
- Lisandro Martinez (injured)
- Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu
- Leny Yoro
- Diogo Dalot
- Luke Shaw (injured)
- Ayden Heaven (injured)
- Jonny Evans (injured)
- Harry Amass
The 25-year-old was a key part of Simone Inzaghi’s side that lifted the league title last season and they are on course to do it again this term, sitting on top of the table with three more points than second-placed Napoli.
Bastoni stayed at Inter and has made 42 appearances across all competitions this season.
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