Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has spoken out on the tough season he has endured while leading the Red Devils on the pitch.
Speaking to the media at the Three Lions camp, Maguire addressed the boos and the bomb threat he received back in April from supporters, saying, “There is a line. We are human beings. I do have a family.
“People ask if it affects me. My mentality is that it doesn’t affect me too much but when it comes to bomb threats, it is more about family. I’m just happy my kids are at an age where they don’t read things and see things on the news.
“If my kids were an older age, they could see things and go to school and people are speaking about it. That is when it affects you a little bit more.
“I’m in a position where I’m going to be criticised. Manchester United paid a large sum of money for me. It is one of the most loved clubs in the world and also one of the most hated in the world as well.
“We know we are under the most scrutiny. I totally accept criticism when we concede goals or make mistakes. I’m big enough to accept people getting on my back and saying I can improve.”
Maguire on England boos
The defender is a different animal when he puts on the Three Lions shirt. He is solid and composed at the back when playing for Gareth Southgate, reminiscent of his Leicester days.
In his last appearance for the national team in March 2022, however, a few fans made it a point to boo him any time he got the ball. Maguire commented on the incident, stating that he felt surprise rather than sadness at it.
“I have had amazing times with the [England] fans and I am not going to let the minority – I don’t know how many it was, 10-20 people doing that in the Ivory Coast game – affect my relationship with them,” he said.
“I was a bit shocked. I wouldn’t say I was hurt and upset. I know my family and friends might have been affected by it but I was more surprised.
“There were a lot of young lads in the team that day, a lot of young people in the stands, lots of kids watching who aspire to grow up and be an England footballer, so for them to hear that for somebody who’s been involved in a such a big part of the journey over the last five years, it’s sad to see.”
Such behaviour affects incoming generation, Maguire says
Maguire also stated that the behaviour negatively affects the incoming generations of Three Lions players but also promised to improve ahead of the coming season.
“It probably affects them [the young England players]. That’s why it was a little disappointing. We spoke about it as a group. But I’m sure there will be many good times ahead when the England fans will again show their support and love.
“I am my biggest critic. Although there are a lot of critics out there, I’m actually still my biggest! The next biggest is probably my dad.
“If that had happened earlier on in my career, I would’ve struggled that night. But I’m 29, I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs and I’ve learned to deal with it through experience. I’m sure I’ll be back to playing my best football very soon.”
