'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."

Harry Maguire: "I wouldn't be playing every game for #mufc 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." #mulive [@footballdaily] pic.twitter.com/U9r1S54Nds

— utdreport (@utdreport) April 19, 2022

Harry Maguire has misread the room here. The greatest United captains were great because they were also self-critical https://t.co/UMyNnTijNi

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) April 19, 2022

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

Talk about having no self awareness. Not only is he an awful footballer, the man is also unlikeable. https://t.co/GEUnExVwdf

— Victor Mata (@TomelAlive) April 19, 2022

Is he actually being serious? Surely he can’t think he’s been playing well 😂😂 https://t.co/n99frMVd9W

— Becca (@RebeccaMufc21) April 19, 2022

The only reason you are still in the team is your price tag Harry

Glazers dont want to write off £80m

Dont kid yourself….you are shit@HarryMaguire93 #mufc #LIVMUN https://t.co/UfA73TZIuP

— Man Utd Fans (@United4fans) April 19, 2022

Only captain we've ever had that I lowkey hate I'll be honest

— 𝓛𝓪𝓡𝓾𝓼𝓼𝓸 👑 (@initiaxion) April 19, 2022

This might be the most out of touch interview I’ve ever seen.

— James Stewart (@MrJames_Stewart) April 19, 2022

The lad is not even humble to say, "I've had so many bad games this season, and I'm working to try to improve mi level."

No, he says he's the captain and he's going to get criticized if we concede goals.

Amazing. I wish I had that ego.

— David Farías (@Davidafariasd) April 19, 2022

"I wouldn't be playing every game for #mufc in the starting eleven if I'd been playing bad every game or not playing well enough" pic.twitter.com/6skd2f9cRU

— Xirociroc♂️ (@canelo____) April 19, 2022

He just doesn’t help himself, does he?

— Ron (@utdronnie) April 19, 2022

The lack of self awareness is insane 😂 https://t.co/6ytfP5vW1z

— Jeremy ⚡️ (@Jay_On_Mars) April 19, 2022

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.