“It’s been massively below the belt and disgraceful” – Jamie Redknapp blasts criticism aimed at Manchester United star
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp recently blasted the criticism that Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire has received in recent times for club and country.
Maguire hasn't been able to justify his £80 million price tag since joining the Red Devils from Leicester City four years ago. The 30-year-old has looked short in confidence in recent years, often making high-profile errors leading to goals.
Despite being in great form for the England national team, Maguire was dropped from the Manchester United starting XI under Erik ten Hag last season. He only made 16 Premier League appearances, playing just 759 minutes of football in the top flight.
The England international was stripped of his captaincy this summer and was tipped to join West Ham United but the transfer never materialized. Since then, he has been subjected to online criticism and fans booing him in various stadiums.
Redknapp said (via Sky Sports):
“As a professional, I think he’s been treated disgracefully by football fans. Everywhere he’s gone, even his own fans, England fans, [he’s] been ridiculed and it’s not fair. The guy shows you there he’s an important player. Of course, he’s made mistakes, everyone makes mistakes."
“I look at some of the other players that might make a mistake they are playing for Manchester United, they don’t get a quarter of the stick that he gets but if Harry Maguire does it, it becomes a meme. It’s completely unfair because you can see that when he does play, he makes a difference."
He added:
“Do I think long-term that he’s going to be the answer for Manchester United? I actually don’t and I genuinely mean that. He’s been in great form of late and playing these games but I think he might have to make his way again somewhere else. Still, he doesn’t deserve the criticism he gets, it’s been massively below the belt and disgraceful at times.”
Maguire has handled his critics admirably this season, making five appearances to date due to injuries to Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. Moreover, Manchester United have won 15 out of the 16 appearances that he's made, dating back to October 30, 2022.
Manchester United receive triple injury boost ahead of FC Copenhagen UCL clash: Reports
According to SportsMole, Manchester United have received a much-needed injury boost as Sergio Reguilon, Casemiro, and Tyrell Malacia all recently took part in some form of training.
Tottenham Hotspur loanee Sergio Reguilon has been limited to just three appearances this season since suffering a hamstring injury last month. He may feature against FC Copenhagen later today (October 24) in the UEFA Champions League after he took part in full-team training last week.
Casemiro missed the Red Devil's 2-1 win against Sheffield United over the weekend due to an ankle knock. However, he reportedly took part in training on Monday at Carrington. While he has been ruled out for today's game, the Brazilian could feature against Manchester City on Sunday, October 29.
Tyrell Malacia has yet to make an appearance this term after suffering a serious injury before the season started. However, he featured in an individual training session on his road to recovery.