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Football world slams Aussie fans over 'disgraceful' Harry Maguire act

andrew reid
·5-min read
Harry Maguire was booed by fans at the MCG during Manchester United's pre-season win against Crystal Palace. Pic: Getty
Harry Maguire was booed by fans at the MCG during Manchester United's pre-season win against Crystal Palace. Pic: Getty

Australian football fans have come under fire for booing Manchester United captain Harry Maguire during the Red Devils' friendly against Crystal Palace at the MCG on Tuesday night.

Maguire put in a solid display in Melbourne as United made it three wins from three in pre-season, courtesy of a 3-1 triumph over their Premier League rivals.

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The United captain endured a torrid time last season as his side finished sixth and out of the Champions League places.

Often the scapegoat for United's disappointing displays, Maguire has also been the target of booing and social media hatred from fans in England.

The club skipper came in for strong criticism last season as United conceded more league goals (57) than they had done in a single season since 1978-79 (63).

Maguire was left out of the United side after receiving a bomb threat in April, and was booed by England fans prior to a friendly against Ivory Coast in March.

Despite his form slump, new United manager Erik Ten Hag has thrown his support behind the 29-year-old after confirming that Maguire will remain club captain for the coming season.

Fans at the MCG, pictured here watching Crystal Palace and Manchester United.
Fans at the MCG to watch Crystal Palace and Manchester United booed Harry McGuire. (Photo credit should read Chris Putnam/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

Ten Hag's decision has left many United fans fuming and a section of fans at the MCG on Tuesday night voiced their displeasure with the defender during the club's friendly against Palace.

Maguire was loudly jeered before kick-off and each time he touched the ball throughout the first half at the MCG, where a raucous crowd of 76,499 mostly United fans came to see their team in action.

However, the treatment of the United skipper drew widespread backlash from football fans on social media, with many labelling those who booed him "disgraceful".

Teammate throws support behind Harry Maguire

Despite the unsavoury scenes, Maguire reacted well to the jeers in Australia, producing a strong defensive display and going close to scoring with a powerful 20-yard drive in the first half.

United teammate Donny Van de Beek threw his backing behind the skipper after the match and said Maguire should be happy with an impressive performance.

"I heard [the boos] as well," the midfielder told Sky Sports after the win.

"I didn't know really what happened. But I think if I saw the game today, Harry was playing really well.

"He was aggressive, he got so many balls, so that means he has a big personality.

"He has a lot of experience, so I think that's positive what he [showed], his performance today."

Seen here, Manchester United's Harry Maguire looking on during the pre-season game against Crystal Palace at the MCG.
Manchester United's Harry Maguire looks on during the pre-season game against Crystal Palace at the MCG. Pic: Getty

Goals from Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho ensured United maintained their 100 per cent winning record in their first pre-season under ten Hag despite youngster Will Fish's late red card, with Van de Beek providing a sumptuous assist for Rashford's strike.

United's next pre-season outing sees them face Aston Villa in Perth on Saturday evening.

with agencies

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