Manchester United's Harry Maguire has used Cristiano Ronaldo as an example of footballers receiving criticism. Maguire has dealt with extraordinary criticism over the last 18 months, but he admitted that if Ronaldo can be criticised then anyone can.
Maguire started in defeats against Brighton and Brentford at the start of the season and he's since been dropped to the bench at Old Trafford, with Erik ten Hag settling on Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as his first-choice centre-back pairing.
Although the 29-year-old remains club captain, he's currently considered fourth-choice centre-back behind Victor Lindelof.
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Maguire has made just three starts in the Premier League this season, but he still made the England squad for the World Cup and started in the opening fixture against Iran, while he's also expected to retain that role for the clash with the USA on Friday.
Ahead of that match, Maguire discussed the criticism he's received and he revealed the lesson Ronaldo taught him.
"'As a footballer nobody likes being criticised but I think it's part and parcel of the game," Maguire said. "I've played with Cristiano Ronaldo for the last couple of years and he's one of the greatest players to ever kick a football.
"He gets criticised daily, so if it's going to happen to him and the position I'm in playing for Manchester United, it's going to happen to each and every one of us. You've just got to work hard, go into training, do your best and that's all you can do."
Maguire also revealed that he is fit and available to play the USA on Friday after being substituted against Iran.
"I have great belief in myself. I go on the training pitch, work as hard as I can, give my all and it gives me the chance to perform at the best level," he added. "I want to play every week for my club and I will fight to get to where I want to be.
"I felt unwell during the second half [vs Iran] but I've done all the tests and appropriate action and felt well since. I feel well and ready to go for tomorrow."
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