Harry Maguire took on his critics by referencing Cristiano Ronaldo after his brilliant performance in England’s World Cup opener against Iran.
England sailed to a comfortable 6-2 win over Iran. Despite the convincing victory, some pundits dismissed it as a fluke as Iran was more or less a competent squad to test Gareth Southgate’s men.
However, Iran pulled an astonishing result against ten-man Wales, scoring two late goals to sink Wales.
Meanwhile, England demolished the Arab team, scoring six goals to stamp their dominance and vindicate Southgate.
One of the players who made headlines in the game was Harry Maguire of Manchester United.
The out-of-favor Manchester United defender was the center of attention after he provided two assists in the eight-goals thriller.
The 29-year-old former Leicester City defender arrived at Old Trafford on a record £78million – the highest amount ever paid for a defender.
After a good first season with the Red Devils in 2019, Harry Maguire came under heavy criticism from fans and pundits for an abysmal performance and for not living up to expectations.
Things worsened when Erik ten Hag arrived at Old Trafford as the new manager. After experimenting with the England star on Manchester United’s first two opening Premier League matches, Ten Hag dropped Maguire to the bench.
The Red Devils lost at home to Brighton, conceding two goals, and also lost against Brentford, conceding four goals.
Ten Hag opted for a new nomenclature in Manchester United’s defence line.
Instead of using Harry Maguire, he opted for a new signing from Ajax and Argentine international Lisandro Martinez and former Real Madrid star and France international Raphael Varane.
The duo have been Erik Ten Hag’s choice defenders, with Harry Maguire reduced to cameo appearances off the bench.
Despite struggling to earn a starting position under Erik Ten Hag, England manager Gareth Southgate included Harry Maguire in his 26-man World Cup.
The move was a bit controversial, but it appears the former Leicester City defender has justified his inclusion in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.
Harry Maguire was instrumental in England’s opening 6-2 win over Iran. Apart from forming an excellent defensive partnership with John Stones, he also provided two assists in the game.
In his pre-match press conference ahead of England’s second World Cup game against the USA, Maguire was asked about criticism that has come his way.
Maguire made reference to Cristiano Ronaldo as a player who has been at the zenith of his football career but is still criticised.
Maguire said if Cristiano Ronaldo can be criticised, then anybody can be criticised.
“No one likes being criticized, but that’s part of the game. Cristiano [Ronaldo] is one of the best players in history, the best for me, and he gets criticized every day. If It happens to him, it can happen to any of us”, he said.
The Manchester United captain said criticisms of Cristiano Ronaldo are misplaced because the Portuguese star is at the best of his epic career, despite his recent struggles at Manchester United.
Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo were Manchester United teammates before they joined their respective national teams for the World Cup in Qatar.
Ronaldo struggled at Manchester United under Erik Ten Hag. He scored three goals and had two assists in all competitions for the Red Devils – his lowest stat in 17 years.
The poor performance attracted criticisms, and Ronaldo finally hit back at his critics and his manager in a tell-all interview with Piers Morgan.
This has led to the termination of his contract with the Red Devils, but it appears Maguire shares sympathy with the travails of the former Manchester United forward.
Meanwhile, Harry Maguire also put up an outstanding performance in England’s second World Cup game against the USA. The match, which ended in a 0-0 draw, saw England survived heavy pressure from the USA, and Harry Maguire, once again, proved a point by helping England keep a clean sheet despite the intensity of the game.
