Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni has come to the defence of Harry Maguire as social media abuse against the Manchester United centre-back continues to mount.
Maguire made an interesting cameo during Man United’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night, with manager Ruben Amorim bringing him on as a makeshift striker late in the second half.
The centre-back actually enjoyed an impactful performance up top, heading the ball wide from close range after getting on the end of a threatening cross. He then took a threatening shot that was cleared off the goal line in what was his team’s closest scoring opportunity of the match.
Sadly, even as he makes some impactful appearances, Maguire continues to face social media abuse.
Speaking to Tuttosport, Bastoni rushed to support his fellow footballer.
“The Maguire situation? It’s a tough situation for him. It’s normal when you get paid a lot that the pressure increases,” Bastoni said via SportWitness.
“We know it’s difficult at Manchester United, anyone who goes there finds themselves in difficulty,” he continued.
“I understand it a little, there’s often a lack of respect towards us. You can’t insult my family or wish me dead because I made a mistake. Social media has brought this unhealthy thing,” Bastoni declared, refusing to mince his words.
“For example, I’m talking about the Inter fan who whistles at one of their players or insults him on social media, it’s counterproductive. I go and read the comments; it bothers me to see certain things. Then maybe it happens that they find you around and ask you for a photo. It’s up to you to distinguish people’s criticisms. There’s a malice and envy that’s scary,” the Italian concluded.
Having performed admirably in United’s victory over Ipswich Town in February, Maguire emerged as his side’s hero by scoring the match-winning goal.
Unfortunately, a calf injury saw him ruled out against both Arsenal and Leicester City, not to mention both of United’s clashes with Real Sociedad in the UEFA Europa League.
Overall, it can be said that Maguire has endured a turbulent season. Still, there is never an excuse for aiming social media abuse at players, no matter the circumstance.
Featured image Alex Pantling via Getty Images
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