Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire was honoured on Saturday after reaching 250 appearances for the club in the defeat at Manchester City a week prior
Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire has leapt to the defence of Luke Shaw after he came underfire from Roy Keane following the defeat to Manchester City earlier this month. United were underwhelming in the Manchester derby, losing 3-0 to their fierce rivals. And, unsurprisingly after such a heavy loss, the critics were out in force to pick apart the Reds’ failings.
One man who caught particular criticism from Keane was Shaw. The former United captain insisted the full-back, who is currently being utilised in a three-man defence, ‘gave up’ allowing Phil Foden to score. Addressing those criticisms after defeating Chelsea a week later, Shaw admitted: “I think people have opinions. Sometimes you just have to take it on the chin.
“He’s got a lot of experience, he was one of the best captains ever for Manchester United and, of course, it hurts. But for me criticism is part of being a football player.
“I listen to it, but I think he was right. Last week, I wasn’t at my level at all and I don’t need Roy Keane to tell me.
“After the game, I knew that. But of course it hurts.”
Maguire is obviously no stranger to being criticised while playing for United. When he was captain, the Englishman was often mocked online, taking the criticism of him to a whole new level.
In an interview with United’s official club website after surpassing 250 appearances for the club, Maguire defended Shaw.
“You don’t play at this club 250 or 300 times if you’re first and foremost not a good player,” the centre-back explained.
“Luke’s an excellent footballer, and every manager that comes in, he gets questioned a lot. That’s what happens at this club.
“Every manager that comes in plays Luke, and there’s a reason why they play Luke, because he’s an excellent footballer, always has been and always will be.”
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
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2025-09-23 17:37:03
