Harry Maguire, captain of Manchester United, expressed his surprise at receiving boos from England fans due to his performance with his team last season, but he stated that he would not allow this experience to destroy his "amazing" relationship with the fans.
Maguire had a difficult season with Manchester United, facing harsh criticism as the team finished sixth in the Premier League and ended the season without trophies. Despite this, the 29-year-old defender retained the trust of coach Gareth Southgate to play in the UEFA Nations League matches against Hungary, Germany, and Italy later in June.
Maguire, who faced boos from fans during a friendly match against Ivory Coast in March, told reporters, "I was a bit shocked. If that had happened earlier in my career, I would have struggled that night." He continued, "I know my family and friends may have been affected by this, but I was really surprised. However, I have had great times with the fans, and I will not allow the minority who did that in the Ivory Coast match to affect my relationship with the England fans."
However, Maguire clarified that receiving threats to blow up his family's home following the heavy defeat to Liverpool last season was unacceptable. He added, "We are human, and I have a family. My mind doesn’t let such things affect me much, but when it comes to threats like this, it’s more about family."
He explained, "I am happy because my children are at an age where they don't read such things and do not follow the news on screens." England will meet Hungary in Budapest on Saturday, before traveling to Germany three days later.
