Under-fire England and Manchester United FC defender Harry Maguire has said he can cope with pressure from the fans.
The center-back, who was replaced as United captain, has suffered massive criticism from fans and pundits.
It was worse after scoring an own goal on Tuesday in England’s 1-3 friendly win over Scotland.
Maguire’s mother Zoe has fired back at her son’s critics in a statement, saying, “As a mum, seeing the level of negative and abusive comments he is receiving from some fans, pundits, and the media is disgraceful and totally unacceptable to anyone in any walk of life, never mind someone who works his socks off for club and country”.
The Three Lions manager, Gareth Southgate, also backed the former Leicester City defender. He said the treatment Maguire is receiving is “ridiculous”, “a joke,” and “beyond anything I have ever seen.”
Speaking to reporters, Maguire said he is not struggling with mental pressure despite the harsh criticism from fans.
“No, I would not say I am a person who struggles with pressure mentally,” he said. “I have been through a lot in the last couple of years… And I have been Manchester United captain for nearly four years.
“You take a huge lot of responsibility and everything that comes with it and that is a lot of bad as well as
Maguire says he is not rusty
The 30-year-old quashed comments that he was rusty, stating that he is confident “the luck will turn” if he continues to work hard.
Maguire is not worried about the lack of game time at United, which could jeopardize his place at Euro 2024, saying it is “too far away” to worry about.
“Of course, my England career is a big priority,” he added. “And so is my club career.
“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. So I need to keep performing when I get chosen.
“Listen, at club football, I want to play games; I want to play football.
“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.”
