Gareth Southgate launches passionate defence of Man Utd centre-back

Gareth Southgate has come into the defence of Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire after England’s 3-1 victory over Scotland.

Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham scored first-half goals for the Three Lions.

Maguire came on as a substitute at the break and was guilty of putting the ball at the back of his own net.

England manager Gareth Southgate issued a passionate defence of Maguire after the Scotland fans jeered him.

He said, as quoted by The Athletic’s Tim Spiers on X: “It’s a consequence of ridiculous treatment of him for a long period of time.

“It’s a joke, I have never known a player treated like he is, not by the Scottish fans, by our own commentators, pundits, whatever it is.

“It’s beyond anything I’ve ever seen.”

Maguire is in a turbulent phase of his career right now. His poor form and recurring mistakes are not helping him either.

England dominated the game against Scotland, but Maguire’s own goal gave the visitors the hope to come back into the match.

In an attempt to clear Andy Robertson’s cross, he pushed the ball past Aaron Ramsdale.

Thanks to Harry Kane, the Three Lions restored a two-goal cushion.

The 30-year-old has lost his starting spot at United and was stripped of the club captaincy.

Maguire has been the subject of intense scrutiny over the past two years.

There have been times when he was jeered by his own supporters. He has become a figure of parody.

However, the defender has maintained a top-notch attitude by never commenting against his club or manager.

The opposition would always target you. However, it becomes worse when your own supporters treat you in the same manner.

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