Manchester United fans have been surprised by Ashley Young’s recent comments regarding Harry Maguire.
Young, who played for Manchester United from 2011 to 2019, has come to the defense of Maguire following the defender’s own goal for England over the weekend.
Maguire, who has been facing a challenging period, was substituted on by Gareth Southgate at halftime against Scotland and unintentionally deflected Andy Robertson’s low-driven cross into his own net.
Maguire has faced difficulties recently, including being relieved of the captain’s armband at Manchester United and making a mistake in the build-up to Ukraine’s equalizing goal in a recent match. Young’s support for Maguire has left some Manchester United fans surprised, given the criticism the player has faced.
But Young has launched a passionate defence of his former teammate, even claiming that his performances for the Three Lions have been “unbelievable”.
“His England performances have been unbelievable. I know how good he is!” 👏
“When you play for a team like #MUFC, there’s pressure non-stop. He’ll be okay!”@Youngy18 outlines why Harry Maguire is a massive asset to Man Utd and England. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Em1DrVfK5O
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) September 14, 2023
Speaking totalkSPORTabout Maguire, Young said: “Obviously, he wasn’t playing as much for United but you look how he’s played for England – his performances for the national team have been unbelievable.
“Of course, when things are not going right for you, like the other day with the own-goal, that’s not something he needed.
“But I played with him, I know how good a player he is, what he brings to the team, the squad. I think that when you play for a team like Man United, you know there’s pressure non-stop and you’re always in the limelight.
The former England international added: “I think he will be ok… The way he is, the person that he is, the mind frame he has and the people he’s got around him will be there for him and telling him: ‘listen, you’re still a fantastic player’, which he is, you can’t take that away.”
However, fans were quick to disagree with Young, labelling his comments “absolute nonsense”.
Taking to Twitter, one fan wrote: “There is no hiding place at United, Youngy. You had a few rough patches, but Maguire has been struggling for a long time now.
“Absolute nonsense Youngy,” another added.
“No way he should be starting for England or Man United,” a third exclaimed.
“I don’t think I would agree to this, he has been pathetic”, a fourth chimed in.
“You have to be having a laugh mate,” another wrote.