Harry Maguire has left Manchester United fans furious after a catastrophic mistake resulted in Athletic Bilbao’s opening goal.
In United’s final pre-season friendly, the 30-year-old center-back was notably overlooked for the captain’s armband by Erik ten Hag, who favored second-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
The first half turned into a nightmare for Maguire, as he inexplicably attempted an outside-of-the-boot pass to a teammate deep within his own half, only for it to be intercepted by Inigo Lekue.
Lekue swiftly found Oihan Sancet, setting up an incisive through ball to Nico Williams.
Williams managed to nudge the ball past the advancing Heaton, securing a lead for the Spanish side in Dublin.You can watch the footage below.
Slandering Harry Maguire isn’t a new thing any longer, but it’s best for both parties if a transfer comes his way.pic.twitter.com/2L9aCjGZpx
— Man United Latest (@TheUtdLatest) August 6, 2023
Harry Maguire at fault again for another goal. Crowds booing him at half time, stripped of the captaincy, 5th choice CB, Evans probably ahead of him now too
Just leave the club man. It hasn’t worked. Force a move and leave for your own career pic.twitter.com/FmfFrsSsDZ
— Haseeb Ahmed (@haseeb1986) August 6, 2023
Manchester Evening News reporter Samuel Luckhurst, who is present at the Aviva Stadium, confirmed onTwitterthat the United fans were booing Maguire after the mistake.
Meanwhile, academy product Dan Gore, 12 years Maguire’s junior, is said to have been giving the England international a an earful after he failed to move for a pass.
It is not the first time the former United skipper has come under criticism from his teammates, with new signing Andre Onana berating him for a mistake during their 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
Supporters were quick to pour scorn on Maguire, with fans fuming at the defender for his mistake.
Taking toTwitter, one fan wrote: “Maguire is dreadful. The fridge can’t put in one half decent performance in a friendly.”
Another added: “Different season, same Harry Maguire.”
“Maguire what the hell was that,” a third exclaimed.
Speaking about Maguire’s future recently, Ten Hag confirmed he needed to “fight for his position” at Old Trafford.
“I will not say that Harry isn’t part of this group,” the United boss said after United’s defeat to Dortmund. “He has to fight for his position.
“He is a very good centre-back, and I believe in the potential of Harry Maguire. “It’s just that he has to prove himself and fight his way into the team. It’s up to him, and I think he can do it.
“See his competition, It’s tough when you’re competing with Rapha Varane and Victor Lindelof. It’s huge competition. That has nothing to do with the belief.
“I have often chosen a player ahead of Harry, that’s true. But that says nothing about me not believing in him. He has to show he is better for the team than Rapha or Victor. I think that’s a normal situation in top football.
“When you are at Man United you have to fight for your position and bring your skills in and prove you are the best for the team, and contribute the most.”