Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has endured more scrutiny than most since his £80m move from Leicester City
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Harry Maguire
Man United defender Harry Maguire(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni has defended Harry Maguire as the Manchester United defender continues to face abuse on social media.
Maguire's form at the club has been subject of abuse in stadiums as well as on social media throughout his stay at the club. The 32-year-old had established himself in Ruben Amorim's starting lineup this season but he still missed out on an England call-up during the March international break.
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Prior to Amorim's arrival, Maguire had found minutes hard to come by as captain under former boss Erik ten Hag before eventually being stripped of the armband. United paid £80m to secure his services in 2019 - making him the most expensive defender in the world at the time.
However, he has struggled to live up to the price tag over the course of 235 appearances in a Reds shirt. But Bastoni believes there is a deeper problem at United.
"The Maguire situation? It’s a tough situation for him. It’s normal when you get paid a lot that the pressure increases," he told Tuttosport.
"We know it’s difficult at Manchester United, anyone who goes there finds themselves in difficulty. I understand it a little, there’s often a lack of respect towards us.
Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni warms up before the derby against AC Milan
Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni warms up before the derby against AC Milan
"You can’t insult my family or wish me dead because I made a mistake. Social media has brought this unhealthy thing.
"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." Maguire missed the final two United Premier League matches prior to the international break due to injury but returned for a cameo in the 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night.
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