N Rowland Sports Writer

Back in 2018, Harry Maguire was a focal point of England’s revival under Gareth Southgate and also a key part of Leicester’s surprising entry into the upper echelons of the Premier League.

He was known as ‘Slabhead’, had a cheery song about him and was generally well-liked.

However, when he made the £80 million pound move to Manchester United in 2019, it signaled the start of an unfortunate downturn in form.

He has been a victim of internet abuse and a scapegoat for the rest of Man United’s various problems.

It is easier to blame Maguire than a haphazard, confused transfer strategy. It is easier to blame Maguire than a strange and seemingly random selection of managerial appointments since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.

The criticism of the defender occurs online in the form of memes, clipped up videos and shouty rants by fans of the club who reside on Twitter and from opposition fans who mock his entry into the game.  

Playing for England, he is routinely backed in the stadium by the hordes of passionate England fans. There is a video on Twitter of after the game at Hampden Park on Tuesday, England fans loudly chanting his name and making the point of being supportive of someone that has delivered a lot of glorious moments for England fans.

His header vs Sweden in the 2018 World Cup quarter-final, his header vs Ukraine in the 2021 Euros quarter final and his penalty vs Italy in the 2021 Euros final will go down as iconic moments.

Gareth Southgate, England manager, has said the criticism of Maguire is a “joke” and condemned the “ridiculous treatment”. Maguire’s mother, Zoe, said the abuse her son has received has been “disgraceful and unacceptable” and gone “far beyond” football.

While Harry Maguire’s performances for Man United may not be of the standard he has demonstrated for England since the start of the Southgate reign, he was part of the defence that only conceded twice from open play during the 2021 Euros.

For Man United, he has only made a substitute appearance this season and played 491 minutes in the Premier League this year.

Footballers, male and female, especially at the top level, are not immune to online abuse and even though Maguire has said he can take the criticism, this is a reminder of the need for respect and kindness.

Harry Maguire is a footballer caught in the vicious cycle that is Manchester United football club. While we remember his six goals for England and impressive defensive performances, the vocal backing by England fans at one end of the cavernous Hampden Park might just have been what he needed.