Harry Maguire believes a 'line' was crossed when he was the target of a bomb threat as he broke his silence on the terrifying ordeal.
Centre-back Maguire was subject to a bomb threat on his family home in April in the aftermath of Manchester United's 4-0 defeat to Liverpool. The United captain hadn't been the only player struggling for form in an underperforming side but received a large slice of the blame.
His family were forced to leave their home for a few days before police could ensure the property was safe. Maguire has insisted he can take criticism for his performances, but threats against his family go beyond the pale.
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“Obviously I’m in a position where I’m going to be criticised, Manchester United paid a large sum of money for me, it is one of the most loved clubs in the world and also one of the most hated in the world as well," he said.
“We know we are under the most scrutiny. I totally accept criticism when we concede goals or make mistakes, I’m big enough to accept people getting on my back and saying I can improve. There is a line where we are human beings, I do have a family. People ask if it affects me. My mentality is that it doesn’t affect me too much but when it comes to bomb threats, it is more about family.
“My fiancée Fern, I’m just happy my kids are at an age where they don’t read things and see things on the news. If my kids were an older age, they could see things and go to school and people are speaking about it, that is when it affects you a little bit more.”
A difficult year for Maguire also saw the centre-back inexplicably booed by his own England supporters before and during the Three Lions' last match against Ivory Coast in March, despite his heroics for his country in last summer's European Championship. Maguire admits that the jeers did catch him off guard.
He added: “From my England debut, the England fans have been amazing with me, I have had some amazing times. I’ve been involved in some of the biggest games. I have been involved in the biggest games of our country’s recent history.
“The journey I have been on since my debut five years ago to now I have had amazing times with the fans, and I am not going to let the minority, I don’t know how many it was, 10-20 people doing that in the Ivory Coast game to affect my relationship with the England fans, no.
“I think I was more surprised rather than taking it all in, I was a bit shocked to be honest. Like I said, I've had such a good relationship with the England fans throughout my journey with the England team.
“I wouldn't say I was hurt and upset. Obviously I know my family and my friends might have been affected by it but I was more surprised really.
“There was a lot of young lads in the team that day, a lot of young people in the stands, lots of kids watching who inspire to grow up and be an England footballer so for them to hear that for somebody who's been involved in a such a big part of the journey over the last five years, it's sad to see.
“But I'm sure there will be many good times ahead when the England fans will show again their support and love because I've been an England fan in my time, I've been to the Euros and followed them in France and I know how passionate and how supportive they are of their country.”
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