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Football

19th Apr 2022

Defiant Harry Maguire hits back at critics, claims ‘there’s a reason’ he is in starting XI

Daniel Brown

Harry Maguire criticism

‘There’s a reason why both managers have put me in the starting eleven every game’

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has responded to criticism surrounding his selection for the Red Devils this season.

The 29-year-old has faced scrutiny this campaign for a number of disappointing performances, with the defender making several mistakes and being part of a United defence that has conceded 44 goals in 32 Premier League matches prior to the clash against Liverpool at Anfield.

Maguire – who has maintained his position as an important part of the Three Lions squad in recent months – was recently booed by sections of England fans at Wembley Stadium during the friendly win over Ivory Coast.

Maguire responds to criticism

Despite his underwhelming form for United, the former Leicester City defender has hit back at his critics and suggests that there’s a ‘reason’ why he keeps being selected.

“This season, I’ve had some bad games,” Maguire said on Sky Sports.

“But I wouldn’t be playing every game for Manchester United in the starting eleven if I’d been playing bad every game or not playing well enough.

“There’s a reason why both managers have put me in the starting eleven every game – for what I bring to the team, for what I bring to the starting eleven.

“But I do also understand that I’m the captain of this club. I cost a lot of money. And when things aren’t going well, and we’re conceding too many goals, I’m going to get criticised.”

Maguire – who arrived at Old Trafford from Leicester City for £80m in 2019 – has scored two goals in 34 appearances this season, with United looking to close the gap on fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

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