The football world turned on Australian fans after they booed Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire during MCG test match against Crystal Palace: ‘It’s an absolute disgrace’
- Some Red Devils fans opted to boo skipper Harry Maguire in the friendly at MCG
- The move was widely condemned by angry football fans around the world
- Maguire, 29, is often the scapegoat for poor Manchester United performances
Shocked football fans around the world have expressed their outrage at the boos from unruly Australian fans Manchester United captain Harry Maguire at MCG.
Maguire, 29, has often been the punching bag for frustrated Red Devils fans in recent years – and in the friendly crystal palace On Tuesday, the defender was whistled before the game and whenever he touched the ball in the first half.
United won 3-1 with Maguire being one of the better players on his team against the Eagles.
The vocal criticism was widely condemned on social media, with many branding those who booed him “disgraceful”.
Teammate Donny Van de Beek supported his skipper post match, stating Maguire should be pleased with his impressive display at the heart of defence.
Football fans around the world have expressed their outrage that Australian fans booed Manchester United captain Harry Maguire (pictured) at the MCG on Tuesday
In the friendly against Crystal Palace, Maguire was booed before the game and every time he touched the ball in the first half
‘I heard [the boos] too,” said the midfielder when questioned on the matter.
“I didn’t really know what happened. Harry played really well. “He was aggressive, he won so many balls, that means he has a big personality.
“He has a lot of experience, so I find what he is doing positive [showed]his performance today.’
Maguire was widely featured last season after United conceded more league goals (57) than in a single season since 1978/79 (63).
Maguire was banned from the United side for a league game after receiving a bomb threat in April and was booed by English fans ahead of a friendly against Ivory Coast in March.
New United manager Erik Ten Hag has said Maguire will remain captain of the club at Old Trafford and he is also said to be in England’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar in November this year.
“Harry Maguire is the captain. He’s an established captain, he’s had a lot of achievements, so I don’t doubt that issue,” he said.
Harry Maguire (pictured left) was not a popular name on the Manchester United squad in the eyes of many fans
United won 3-1 and Maguire was one of his team’s better players against the Eagles (pictured, post-game autographs)
United manager Erik ten Hag has backed the “impressive” Maguire and will continue to captain him
The Dutch boss later added: “Harry is really impressive and I expect a lot from him. I always see the captaincy as an issue that I dictate.
“Team building is an important point for me and I always talk about a group of leaders. The captain is really important and I’m happy with him.”
Maguire will now face competition for his starting spot following the arrival of £55million Lisandro Martinez.
‘I find [Maguire] is (a first choice player). He has proved it in the past, but he must also prove it in the present and in the future. I will support him wherever I can. In the end he has to do it alone and he has the qualities to do it,” said Ten Hag.
Goals from Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho ensured United maintained their 100 per cent win record in last season’s games.
United’s next game is in Perth on Saturday against Aston Villa.
