"It's difficult...we have emotions" - Manchester United star admits criticism has been tough to take

Manchester United's Harry Maguire has opened up on his recent struggles and admits it's been a tough time for him.

The United skipper has lost his place in the starting lineup under Erik ten Hag and many wanted to see him excluded from the England squad for the World Cup this month.

Fortunately for Maguire, the England boss Gareth Southgate has stuck by his centre-back and selected him in the squad this week.

Maguire: There's a lot of 'if only'

In an interview with The Times, the most expensive English defender of all time says he doesn't think people see footballers as humans anymore.

“I think people see footballers as robots who don’t have emotions, but of course we have emotions. We’re disappointed and we’re hurt when we don’t play well,” said Maguire.

“I don’t really like feeling sorry for myself but it's difficult not to dwell sometimes. You think about past games. ‘If only…’ There’s a lot of ‘If only…’ in what you feel as a footballer. ‘If only you’d got on the end of one in the Euros final you’d be a European champion.’

“It’s a madhouse. So when I go home, I try to switch off as best I can. Sometimes it’s harder than others.”

(Image via: Alamy)

Maguire will be hoping his World Cup performances are enough to get him back into Ten Hag's side when the new year comes around.

However, The Guardian have recently reported that the Dutch manager is ready to offload Maguire next season.

The report includes that United understand they are likely to take a 'big loss' on the £80million spent.

It then goes on to say Fred may also miss out on a contract extension at the club.