Reality TV star-turned-footballer Mark Wright has leapt to the defence of Harry Maguire and told his critics to lay off the Manchester United skipper.
Maguire made his Red Devils return on Thursday night as he continues his recovery from an injury he suffered whilst on international duty with England. That was the latest blow for the central defender, who has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford, leaving his World Cup place in question.
The 29-year-old has been a central figure of England’s resurgence at the international level, reaching the semi-final and final in the last two major tournaments. But his lack of form has resulted in his inclusion in the squad for this winter’s World Cup, becoming a contentious topic.
United boss Erik ten Hag has backed Maguire to still have a key role for his club side, despite no longer being seen as an automatic starter. Maguire came off the bench during United’s 3-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League and enjoyed a low-key return to first-team action.
“I think after a couple of weeks, he came in and it was a good performance. The whole team was organised well, we didn’t concede one counter attack the whole game,” Ten Hag explained.
There had been fears his return would be met with boos, as have been heard during his recent outings for The Three Lions. That didn’t transpire, but former TOWIE star Wright, who earned a contract with Crawley Town last year, still said his detractors need to give him a break.
“Winds me up the stick Harry Maguire has received over the past few months,” he posted. “A player that has been an absolute rock for England and for clubs over his time as a professional. Do people not realise that players thrive off confidence and support?
“The trolling this man has received is a disgrace. Let the man relax and play with freedom. If you think he’s had a blip, so what!!
“Look at him over time, you don’t do it for that long if you’re a player. If you are one that thinks he’s had a blip, maybe realise that has developed because of now playing with what he has to read and hear every day.
“Everyone is allowed to have an opinion on a bad game, but bashing him non-stop is going to affect his future as a player. He’s a human, we all have feelings.”
Having been displaced by the partnership of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, Maguire looked consigned to cameos and appearances away from the Premier League. However, the injury to Varane has opened the door for the £80million signing and Ten Hag is confident his captain will be able to rediscover his best form.
“He (Maguire) always has an important role," the Dutchman said. "He was injured, happy in his own way back and now he has to get back into games. I understand the interest (in Maguire) but we especially look at Man United, we have to get the right results and performances, that's the main objective I have to look at.
"It's always about performance, about presentation and I think, regarding his qualities, when he's acting like that, no problem, great player and great capabilities to do a job for us."
