Harry Maguire says he is ‘sure’ of Man Utd opportunities in fierce response to critics

England manager Gareth Southgate launched into an extraordinary attack on Harry Maguire’s critics after the defender scored an own goal as the Three Lions beat Scotland

Considering Gareth Southgate is normally a case study in diplomacy and composure, his tirade against Harry Maguire ’s critics was quite startling.

And his defense of the Manchester United center-back – unloved by his club manager – must have touched Maguire. But Maguire, 30, is more than capable of standing up for himself and seems to be less bothered about the ridicule than Southgate is.

The England manager’s belief in Harry Maguire is more than matched by the player’s belief in himself: “I finished off last season with two very strong performances for England and I have played in all five matches to help put us where we are in qualifying,” Maguire reminded his detractors.

“He (Southgate) played me at the World Cup and I thought I had a fantastic World Cup, having played not so many games. And the fans have always been with me. They have seen what I have delivered for England over 59 caps. I have been to three major tournaments with them.”

Harry Maguire started for England in their 1-1 draw against Ukraine and came on as a second half substitute in the 3-1 win over Scotland. And Maguire was more than happy with his performances in both games, despite the own goal at Hampden Park.

He said: “I had a really positive performance in Ukraine and was really happy with my performance there. I spoke with the manager and the staff and they were really happy too. Honestly, I feel good. I felt good in the Ukraine game and I felt good in the second half (at Hampden Park). Little things can go against you and one moment went against me.

“I am disappointed with my own goal but that is football. You are a centre-back and you put yourselves in those positions. I am pleased with how I performed in the second half and how I dealt with it.”

Such was Southgate’s staunch, passionate support for his defender, it is now inconceivable that he will drop him, even if Maguire continues to be a fringe player at United. But Maguire is sure he will soon get more game-time with his injury-plagued club team – if only because of their looming commitments in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.

He went on: “I know, at the moment, when I have not started a game in the first four games of the season, the story comes to me. So, I need to keep performing when I get chosen. Listen, at club football, I want to play games. The first four weeks were hard because it was one game a week and the manager didn’t select me but we have lots of games coming up now and I am sure I will play lots of games.”

Whether he plays lots of games or not, Maguire will not only be in the squad for October’s friendly against Australia and Euro qualifier against Italy, he will start the competitive match. And as his club struggles continue, it is clear he relishes being with his England colleagues.

SOURCE: MIRROR 14/09/2023