Harry Maguire claims criticism of him is only for 'the clicks'

Harry Maguire has hit back at the intense criticism he gets, following England's loss to Italy, claiming it's all just for 'clicks' and saying it's just because he's 'big news.'

Even before Friday night, England fans couldn't believe that the Manchester United captain was being called up to the two Nations League games, against Italy and Germany.

Whilst he started the first two games in the Premier League, Maguire hasn't started in the previous four league games, meaning he's yet to start in a win.

The fact he then started against Italy, whilst AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori was sat on the bench, despite winning Serie A last season, didn't go down well at all.

The former Leicester City centre back has been defended by a few fellow players in recent weeks, including Giorgio Chiellini, but pundits have added to the critical voices, with Roy Keane accused of getting 'too personal.'

Maguire has started on the bench for all of United's wins this season. Image: Alamy

United teammate Brandon Williams suggested that the players don't listen to the criticism, passionately defending his captain, and it's something Maguire agrees with.

The 29-year-old had come to his own defence, following the loss to Italy, and claims he's only getting criticised because as the man with the armband for United he's always big news.

"I am all good, ready to play, I feel fit and fresh. On my form, I don't know what has been said, I don't really read about it," he told talkSPORT.

"I came off the back of three positive games with England in the summer, and a good pre-season, I felt really good.

"Obviously, the manager [Erik ten Hag] decided to leave me out for a game, and the team have been winning since.

Maguire's reaction during the Italy game rather sums up everyone's feelings. Image: Alamy

"I am working hard on the training pitch to make sure I am ready for when my opportunity comes. That is all what I can do to try and help the team.

"I am not concentrating on anybody else and what people are saying, I think if people can make a story about me, I am Manchester United captain, it is going to make big news.

"So, that is the reason they do it, they like the clicks, and things like that, but I went into the Euros after an eight-week injury, and did not play one game, and got into the team of the tournament.

"In terms of rustiness, and things like that, I am sure that won't happen."

Maguire playing against Italy. Image: Alamy

Maguire did play well in England's successes in the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020, as they reached semi finals and the final, respectively.

He is unlikely to be dropped ahead of this winter's tournament in Qatar, with only the game against Germany on Monday night before Southgate picks his squad.

Fans though clearly would rather someone else played at centre back, no matter what Maguire thinks is the reason for the criticism.

SPORTbible Stories is the brand-new podcast from the SPORT team at LADbible. The latest episode features a chat with WWE legend Triple H who opens up on his long in-ring career, his rivalry with The Rock during WWE's Attitude Era and Logan Paul's fledgling wrestling career. You can watch the episode here.