Mueez Ajao
– Manchester United players have leapt to the defence of captain Harry Maguire after the defender was booed during the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace in Melbourne on Tuesday.
– Maguire’s name was jeered when it was read out ahead of kickoff at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and his every touch was booed for roughly 30 minutes of the first half.
– Donny van de Beek, who came on as a half-time substitute, said afterwards he had heard the reception but backed Maguire and insisted the 29-year-old had played well.
Also Read: Man Utd beat Crystal Palace to continue preseason winning run
– “I heard as well,” Van de Beek said. “I didn’t know really what happened.
Maguire was booed by the crowd pre-game #mufc https://t.co/IZdsk60w9d
— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) July 19, 2022
– “But I think if I saw the game today I think Harry was playing really well. He was aggressive, he got so many balls, so that means he has a big personality.
Donny van de Beek praises Harry Maguire's "big personality" to shake off the boos 👀 pic.twitter.com/wDXT6cqK1o
— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) July 19, 2022
– “He has a lot of experience, so I think that’s positive what he [showed], his performance today.”
– Maguire has endured a difficult 12 months after fierce criticism of his performances last season and being booed by England fans in March.
– New United boss Erik ten Hag has insisted Maguire will remain as captain and will be considered a first-choice player next season despite competition from Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and new signing Lisandro Martinez.
– Ten Hag kept up his perfect record as manager with the win over Palace, secured thanks to goals from Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho.
– “I think it’s preseason and we are happy with the improvement we see but also you see a lot of work to do,” Ten Hag said.
– “We scored some wonderful goals and that is also true.
– “We press all day and, if we can, do that high up the pitch. But if we can’t, we get to do that in a lower block but we also have to press and do it together as a team.
– “I see still switches we can avoid and we can prepare a better press. And I think, also on the ball, we play well but you see, in the end, when it’s 2-0 or 3-0 up, the belief is increasing.
– “And then, also on the ball, we can delay and we can postpone and we can fight opponents so they come out and we can speed up.
– “The 2-0 [goal], especially, was a great goal.”
