Harry Maguire happy to be punch bag for abuse as it ‘makes team-mates better’
Harry Maguire insists he’s happy to be a punch bag for abusive fans if it helps take the pressure off his team mates.
The England and Manchester United star has become the target of rival supporters and critics following his dramatic fall from grace.
Maguire has been frozen out at United and stripped of the captaincy. He was mocked by Scottish fans after scoring an own goal in England’s 3-1 win at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.
This led to Gareth Southgate’s passionate defence of his troubled star – labelling the critics ‘ridiculous’.
READ MORE: Harry Maguire can't resist cheeky swipe at Scotland fans who ridiculed the England star
But Maguire says he is happy to keep facing the flak if it makes those around him perform better.
Maguire said: “It pretty much takes the pressure away from my team mates and puts it all on myself. It makes them play better, for sure.
“It was a hostile environment, when you hear the national anthem and the way they (Scottish fans) disrespect that.
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“In the second half I got most of it, but I’m happy to go with that – don’t worry about that.”
Maguire is facing the toughest time of his career – but insists he has the mental strength to cope.
He added: “I wouldn’t say I’m a person that struggles with pressure mentally.
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“I’ve been through a lot in the last couple of years.
“I’ve been Manchester United captain for nearly four years and you take a lot of responsibility with everything that comes with it.
“That is a lot of bad as well as good. I wouldn’t say I’m used to it – but I can deal with it.”
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