Harry Maguire was one of the most criticised players in the last five years. He was made a meme and laughed at everytime he touches the ball for Manchester United or makes a mistake.
For some players, heavy trolls from fans across various media platform could’ve broken them but he stood tall and has emerged as a better defender as a result, guiding England to two Euros finals and recently scoring the match-winner as Manchester United won 2-1 over bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield for the first time in almost a decade.
Softfootball monitored his interview with Manchester United’s legend Rio Ferdinand, when he detailed the need for young players to have a good support system of family and friends, as they may not be as equipped to handle public scrutiny on their own.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand presents official podcast. Maguire said:
I’ve got a team around me, good family, really close to my friends. Friends, I’ve stayed with the same friendship from school and that’s really important. I’ve got a good support around me.
Some players come from different countries. But the main thing like I always say, you can only do what you’ve got to do. On the football pitch, when you play for this club (Manchester United) everything gets analysed, every goal that goes in the back of the net is someone’s fault. They always get pinpointed to somebody even though it could be a good goal or well worked goal.
I think you do get used to it but for a young boy coming into it. When you are a young boy, you have no fear and once you make a couple of mistakes after a couple of seasons, people start expecting things from you, that’s when the real test comes in.
Harry Maguire joined Manchester United from Leicester City in August, 2019 in a 6-year contract and was handed the captain’s armband the following year by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær following Ashley Young’s departure to Inter Milan. His first goal as captain came in the 6–0 FA Cup win against Tranmere Rovers where he opened scoring.
Here is a video of the Rio meets Harry Maguire podcast. Watch below;
Following a series of bad results and poor form, Maguire announced that he had been stripped of the Manchester United captaincy after a discussion with manager Erik ten Hag on the 16th of July 2023. Bruno Fernandes was named new club captain.
Maguirre was almost sold to West Ham United but he decided to stay and fight for his place. Today, he is one of the most important players for the Red Devils and discussions for a new contract to keep him at the club is already suggested.
