Pro Sports Blog of Wednesday, 20 April 2022
Source: Joseph Walter
Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has fired back at critics who have suggested the defender has had a poor season.
The centre-half has been the subject of some fiery words from fans and pundits this campaign amid his performance and team’s struggles. The three lions captain was even booed by some England supporters during their last month’s international break.
But the 29-year-old marksman has spoken out to defend his displays, albeit admitting he had been below the mark in some matches this term. He pointed to the fact that both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick had both consistently selected him in their starting line-ups.
Speaking to Sky Sports before United's clash with Liverpool yesterday,he said: “I’d say from this season, I’ve had some bad games but I wouldn't be playing every game for Manchester United in the starting XI if I’d been playing bad every game or not playing well enough.
“There's a reason why both managers have put me in the starting XI every game for what I bring to the team, what I bring to the starting XI. But I do also understand that I'm the captain of this club.
“I cost a lot of money and when things aren't going well, when we’re conceding too many goals, I’m going to get criticised.” United paid £80m for Maguire in 2019, making him the world’s most expensive defender.