‘I feel for Harry’ – Ferdinand gives advice to Maguire to prove Man Utd, England critics wrong

Joe Williams
Man Utd defender Harry Maguire rubs his nose

Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand says he sympathises with Harry Maguire over the scrutiny he is facing at both club and international level.

The Red Devils captain has only started two Premier League matches out of six under new Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag and there were questions as to why he had been included in the England squad for their Nations League matches against Italy and Germany.

And Southgate started him in both matches as the Three Lions lost 1-0 to Italy and drew 3-3 with Germany at Wembley on Monday night.


England 3-3 Germany – The Mailbox reacts to Harry Maguire’s latest catastrophe


Maguire didn’t help his case against Germany with the Man Utd skipper passing the ball straight to Jamal Musiala on the edge of his own box before bringing the forward down for a penalty, which Ilkay Gundogan converted.

But former Man Utd defender Ferdinand feels for Maguire with every mistake being “punished and scrutinised” with the England international being criticised more than any other player in recent memory.

Ferdinand wrote on Twitter after Maguire gave away the penalty: “I feel for Harry, every mistake is being punished and scrutinised. It comes with the territory though.

“He needs to be strong mentally to get through this! Playing with no games at this level always leaves you open.”

Maguire’s team-mate Reece James pointed to the Man Utd skipper’s lack of game time for his club this season and is backing him to “bounce back”.

James told reporters: “I think when you’re playing and you make a mistake you don’t need to be told. I feel like you’re experienced enough to know you’ve made a mistake and you don’t need to be told.

“Harry hasn’t been playing too much this season. He’s still finding his rhythm. We know the quality he has. There’s no doubts. It’s just a little step up and I’m sure they (Maguire and Nick Pope) will bounce back and be stronger.”

Southgate brought on Mason Mount and Bukayo Saka with England 2-0 down and bereft of confidence with the duo making a huge impact to turn the game on its head.

Goals from Mount, Luke Shaw and Harry Kane saw England take a 3-2 lead before Pope’s late mistake gifted Germany an equaliser.

On Mount’s impact, James added: “I don’t really have to talk too much about Mason. The last three years everyone can see how good he is and what he provides. Whenever he gets a chance he likes to bring the best he can and provide for the team.”