Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has, on Friday, launched a staunch defence of under-fire Red Devils star Harry Maguire.
The name of big-money defender Maguire, of course, has taken its place front and centre in the media headlines across the UK over the course of the last 48 hours.
This comes with the former Leicester City man’s latest high-profile mistake – an own goal for England against Scotland – having been followed in turn by a ruthless torrent of abuse.
So bad has the situation become, in fact, that Maguire’s mother felt it necessary to release a statement, pleading for fans to afford her son a break:
“As a mum seeing the level of negative and abusive comments which my son is receiving from some fans, pundits and the media is disgraceful and totally unacceptable to any walk of life, never mind someone who works his socks off for club and country.
“I was there in the stand [at Hampden] as usual. It’s not acceptable what’s been created, over nothing. I understand that in the football world there are ups and downs, positives and negatives but what Harry receives has gone far beyond ‘football’. For me seeing him go through what he’s going through is not ok. I would hate to have to see any other parents or players go through this in the future, especially the young boys and girls breaking through the ranks today.
Harry Maguire’s mother releases a statement. [via @UtdDistrict] pic.twitter.com/DdG0JTKf5w
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) September 14, 2023
During an exchange with the media ahead of his side’s return to action against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of Maguire’s situation was put to the aforementioned Erik ten Hag on Friday.
And Man United’s boss made use of the opportunity to join the wave of those now speaking out in defence of the 30-year-old:
“I have said many times, it is disrespectful, he doesn’t deserve it, he is a great player, gives great performances. It is crazy how it works. Harry has to block this by performances.”
🗣️ “Harry Maguire has to block this by performances”
Erik ten Hag says the defender does not deserve what he has faced from fans pic.twitter.com/qKbv8Cv6KZ
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 15, 2023
Harry Maguire’s mother speaks out on abuse of her son
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