‘There’s a lot of scrutiny’ Maguire reveals message to Zirkzee after criticism

Harry Maguire has revealed he sent a message to Manchester United teammate Joshua Zirkzee following a period of criticism, notably after being substituted in the 33rd minute against Newcastle when his side were trailing 2-0.

Maguire has had his fair share of struggles during his spell at Man United since arriving at Old Trafford for £80 million from Leicester City back in 2019.

“I sent him a message privately after the game, but listen, Josh is a good player. You don’t play for this club if you’re not a good player. He’s got to bring that belief and that confidence out in himself.

“I always say in football, there’s always another game and there’s always a next opportunity. With Josh obviously coming on against Arsenal, he really changed the game for us, and to score that winning penalty, probably gave him a lot of confidence and belief that he belongs at this club.

“The fans have been brilliant with him. We have amazing fans and they stick with us through thick and thin. And when times are tough, they really get behind you and support you.”

Maguire was stripped of the United captaincy two years ago but he maintains that he sees himself as a leader with or without the armband.

“Whether I’m captain or not, I do see myself as a leader in this group of players,” he said.

“I’m experienced now, I’ve been at the club over five years now.  I know that when you’re playing for this club there’s so many ups and downs. And after every game that you lose, there’s a lot of scrutiny on the players and players get targeted. I think that’s part and parcel of playing for this club.”

“You’ve got to accept and take the responsibility on. I look at previous players, the likes of Wayne Rooney and David Beckham, they had a large amount of scrutiny on them and they were world-class players.

“So if it can happen to them, it can happen to anybody. And it is part and parcel of playing for this club. And listen, playing for this club is a huge privilege and a huge honour and I wouldn’t change it for anything.”