Maguire: 'I take on the pressure so my teammates can play better'
Maguire was a substitute and came on to replace Marc Guehi at the beginning of the second half of the 3-1 friendly win over Scotland at Hampden Park on the evening of September 12. The English midfielder was booed by fans every time he touched the ball, including his attempt to block Andy Robertson's cross and send the ball into his own net.
On Sky Sports, Maguire emphasized that he has often been under pressure recently, including being captain of Man Utd for nearly four years. "I wouldn't say I'm used to pressure, but I can deal with it," the 30-year-old player expressed. "When it's all about me, the pressure on my teammates is less. For sure, it makes them play better. It's just a bit of taunting and it's a hostile environment, away to Scotland." ".
Maguire received many words of encouragement from away team fans and saw this as a positive thing. "They saw what I brought to the team after 59 games," Maguire expressed. "I attended three major tournaments with them, they followed us loudly and proudly. There is nothing better than receiving a warm welcome every time you wear the team shirt."
After 3 and a half years, Maguire is no longer the official captain of Man Utd, when coach Erik ten Hag trusted midfielder Bruno Fernandes. This is not a surprising decision because the English midfielder has lost form and continuously made mistakes in recent seasons. This summer, Maguire refused to go to West Ham when he affirmed that he wanted to stay and fight for his official position.
"I considered everything. I knew I hadn't started a single match for Man Utd through the first four matches and there were rumors," Maguire explained. "I finished last season with two very impressive performances for England, playing in all five matches in the Euro 2024 qualifiers and I need to continue to show good form if I am called up. First four weeks It's difficult because there's only one match a week and the coach doesn't choose me. But Man Utd is about to have many matches and I'm sure I will be able to play."
After the win over Scotland, coach Gareth Southgate was dissatisfied with the way Maguire was criticized and ridiculed by fans, commentators and experts. The 53-year-old coach praised his student for always showing resilience and courage, being a top and important player for the England team, never shirking responsibility and always ready to talk to the media.
Similarly, Aaron Ramsdale sympathizes with Maguire when every action of his teammates is analyzed by "fans or experts who put you under the microscope". The Arsenal goalkeeper praised Maguire as one of the best defenders and leader of the England team.
