Donny van de Beek has defended Harry Maguire after the Manchester United centre-back was booed during the club’s pre-season win over Crystal Palace.
The crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground jeered every touch Maguire made in the first-half, relenting slightly after the break but it was still not a warm reception for the club captain.
It comes after Maguire endured a tough time of things last season, where he was also booed by England fans while on international duty, and struggled form at club level as many of his team-mates did.
However, new United boss Erik ten Hag has confirmed the 29-year-old will keep the captain’s armband while also insisting he saw him as a first-choice player heading into the new season.
Speaking after the 3-1 win over Palace, Van de Beek, who was brought on at half-time, praised Maguire for his response to the crowd treatment and his ability to still produce an impressive performance.
Van de Beek said: “I heard as well. I didn’t know really what happened. But I think if I saw the game today I think Harry was playing really well.
“He was aggressive, he got so many balls, so that means he has a big personality.
“He has a lot of experience, so I think that’s positive what he (showed), his performance today.”
