Harry Maguire gifts Athletic Bilbao goal with horror pass as fans boo Man Utd defender

Harry Maguire has left Manchester United fans up in arms after a catastrophic error led to Athletic Bilbao's opening goal.

The 30-year-old centre-back was denied the captain's armband by Erik ten Hag in United's final pre-season friendly, with second-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton preferred.

And it has been a horror first half for Maguire, who inexplicably attempted an outside of the boot pass to a teammate deep in his own half, before it was picked off by Inigo Lekue, who found Oihan Sancet.

Sancet played an incisive through ball to Nico Williams who was able to poke the ball past the onrushing Heaton and give the Spanish side the lead in Dublin. You can watch the footage below.

Manchester Evening News reporter Samuel Luckhurst, who is present at the Aviva Stadium, confirmed on Twitter that the United fans were booing Maguire after the mistake.

Meanwhile, academy product Dan Gore, 12 years Maguire's junior, is said to have been giving the England international a an earful after he failed to move for a pass.

It is not the first time the former United skipper has come under criticism from his teammates, with new signing Andre Onana berating him for a mistake during their 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund.

Supporters were quick to pour scorn on Maguire, with fans fuming at the defender for his mistake.

Taking to Twitter, one fan wrote: "Maguire is dreadful. The fridge can’t put in one half decent performance in a friendly."

Another added: "Different season, same Harry Maguire."

"Maguire what the hell was that," a third exclaimed.

Speaking about Maguire's future recently, Ten Hag confirmed he needed to "fight for his position" at Old Trafford.

“I will not say that Harry isn’t part of this group," the United boss said after United's defeat to Dortmund. "He has to fight for his position.

“He is a very good centre-back, and I believe in the potential of Harry Maguire. “It’s just that he has to prove himself and fight his way into the team. It’s up to him, and I think he can do it.

“See his competition, It’s tough when you’re competing with Rapha Varane and Victor Lindelof. It’s huge competition. That has nothing to do with the belief.

“I have often chosen a player ahead of Harry, that’s true. But that says nothing about me not believing in him. He has to show he is better for the team than Rapha or Victor. I think that’s a normal situation in top football.

“When you are at Man United you have to fight for your position and bring your skills in and prove you are the best for the team, and contribute the most.”

Featured Image Credit: Getty & Twitter @Muppetiers

Topics: Football, Harry Maguire, Manchester United, Premier League, Fan Reactions

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno