has urged to ‘block’ criticism after the defender was singled out once again during the international break.
The centre-half was jeered by Scotland fans after scoring an own goal during ’s 3-1 win at Hampden Park on Tuesday with
with the former Leicester City star iafter a difficult start to the new season
Speaking ahead of United’s Premier League clash with Brighton, ten Hag labelled the most recent treatment of his player as ‘disrespectful’, insisting only ‘good performances’ can silence his critics.
‘I have said many times, it is disrespectful, he doesn’t deserve it, he is a great player, he gives great performances,’ the United boss said on Friday.
‘It is crazy but it is how it works. Harry has to block this by performances.’
When asked how Maguire has responded to another tough week, ten Hag added: ‘Good, you see his career, it is a great career and has a lot to come, he has to block it by good performances.’
Maguire was stripped of the United captaincy this summer with Bruno Fernandes named new skipper.
He is yet to start a game this season, left out of the squad completely against Tottenham in August, coming off the bench against Arsenal before the international break after injuries to Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof.
‘I would not say I am a person who struggles with pressure mentally. I have been through a lot in the last couple of years and I have been Manchester United captain for nearly four years,’ Maguire said midweek.
‘You take a huge lot of responsibility and everything that comes with it – and that is a lot of bad as well as good.
‘But it was a huge honour (to play for England against Scotland).
‘It was a hostile environment – when you hear the national anthem and the way they disrespect that – and they piled pressure on myself. I would not say I am used to it, but I can deal with it.’
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