'I Wouldn't Be Playing Every Game For Manchester United' - Harry Maguire Hits Back At Critics In Interview

Harry Maguire's interview ahead of the clash with Liverpool has not gone down well, with the Manchester United skipper hitting back at those who have criticised him this season.

The England defender has come under serious scrutiny for his performances in the 2021/22 campaign - and a number of high-profile errors in big moments.

He was at fault for Teemu Pukki's equaliser for Norwich in the 3-2 win on Saturday and angered teammate Paul Pogba by accidentally studding him and causing the Frenchman to bleed.

Fans are convinced that David De Gea has lost confidence in Maguire, with some believing he refused to pass to him in the same game - instead hooking the ball out of play.

Recent reports state that the £80 million man could be stripped of the captaincy once Erik ten Hag is appointed as the club's new manager.

But in an interview with Sky Sports, Maguire issued a defiant response and claimed "there’s a reason why" he hasn't been dropped.

“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,” Maguire stated.

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

"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 too well and we're conceding goals, I'm going to get criticised."

Yet Maguire's words haven't helped his cause too much, judging by the brutal reaction on social media:

After the interview was aired, Maguire and United found themselves 2-0 down early on at Anfield - with Mo Salah and Luis Diaz scoring after the visitors' backline was completely carved open.

Sadio Mane added a third in the second half, before Salah struck again to make it another resounding win for the Reds.

Fans were stunned with the positioning of Maguire for the first and final goals - pushing out on his own and opening up the space for Liverpool to punish United.

Featured Image Credit: Image: Sky Sports

Topics: Harry Maguire, Manchester United

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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