Brendan Rodgers claims Harry Maguire criticism has been ‘created by’ Man United fans as the ex-Leicester boss praises his former player’s ‘strength’ amid mass scrutiny

Brendan Rodgers has given his former player Harry Maguire his full support and suggested that much of the criticism surrounding the player may come from ‘his own club’s supporters’.

The Manchester United centre-back has come under scrutiny at Old Trafford over the past 12 months after falling down the pecking order at the club and being stripped of the captaincy.

However, he was still picked by Gareth Southgate, for whom he always performed well and achieved great success. He played a key role in the teams reaching the final of the 2020 European Championship and the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup.

His most recent appearance for England came at Hampden Park in a 3-1 win over Auld Enemy Scotland, with Maguire conceding an own goal after a cross that he probably had to unknowingly cut into the back of his own net.

But his former Leicester City manager Rodgers jumped to Maguire’s defense, claiming it was ‘a shame’ that the defender was scrutinized so heavily by Man United fans.

Rodgers claimed that some of the criticism of Maguire’s performances could come from Manchester United fans

The England defender has remained a consistent choice for national coach Gareth Southgate

“I know Harry well because I worked with him and I think it’s a real shame if I’m honest,” the Celtic manager admitted. ‘He’s a good guy, he’s clearly a top-class player and the focus and noise that was around him, unfortunately, was probably created more by his own club’s supporters and that has spilled over to other supporters.

‘I was at the game (friendly against Scotland at Hampden Park) the other day – this is a guy who was in the team at the last World Cup – so he’s not that bad of a player! I know I worked with him. If you need someone by your side when times are tough, it’s him.

‘He’s a great man, he’s very fair in the game, I know why Gareth picks him, he’s been fantastic for England, a real soldier and a real leader for the young players.

‘He is tough, mentally strong and he will prove for the rest of his career that he is a very good player. Like I said, you don’t go from the World Cup team to a place where he’s recognized as a top international player and people are making fun of you.”

Maguire rose to prominence at the Foxes – with Rodgers taking charge for the final months of his stay – and attracted the attention of many Premier League heavyweights, including both Manchester clubs.

The 30-year-old has kept 16 clean sheets in 69 Premier League appearances against Leicester, and has stood out for driving runs out of defense with the ball at his feet. minutes at the highest level, if available for two years.

He eventually signed for United for a then record fee of £80 million and was soon made captain after playing one season for his new club upon his arrival.

A move to West Ham emerged as a potential exit for the player during the summer, with the clubs agreeing a fee of £30 million, only for Maguire to opt to stay and fight for his place at United.

And Rodgers praised his former player’s decision to fight for his place, praising his mental strength and claiming he will prove himself to be a ‘fantastic player’ both at United and elsewhere.

His own goal at Hampden Park came after a dangerous ball was played across the six-yard box

The Manchester United defender performed strongly for England, helping them reach the Euro 2020 final and the semi-finals and quarters of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

“It tells you everything about his mentality and his strength,” he added. ‘There may come a point where he decides he’s not getting the playing time he wants and he needs to move on and play regularly, and when he does he’ll prove to be a very, very good player. But he doesn’t shy away from the challenge, that’s for sure. He is very proud to represent Man United.

‘The summer he left when I was at Leicester there were other clubs who wanted to sign him, but that whole pre-season I dealt with a lot of players when the transfer market was tough, and they can wobble, but this guy has never did that, he was completely committed to Leicester and his teammates.

‘It was only once towards the end, when he moved, that I looked back and I thought his behavior throughout was absolutely exceptional.

“He’ll continue to fight there, his behavior as a man and his behavior – he’s a great guy and a fantastic player, and hopefully he gets the chance to show that for Manchester United. If not, and it’s too late for that, he’ll show it somewhere else.’