Man Utd and England star Harry Maguire reveals biggest ambition with Red Devils

Manchester and England defender Harry Maguire says he doesn’t read what people post about him on social media, and has advised his family and friends to stay away from it. The 29-year-old is enjoying a brilliant World Cup, having put his struggles at club level behind him, and has started every game for his side at the World Cup.

Maguire, who was part of the England team which reached the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup and final of Euro 2020, has had to endure sustained social media abuse from football fans across the world. Recently, he was even being ridiculed in the Ghanaian parliament.

But Maguire, who will be hoping aiming to play a key role for the Three Lions in their quarter-final clash against France on Saturday, suggests he barely takes in all that is being said about him online, and is instead focusing on trying to improve his game.

He told the BBC: “I don’t read too much if I’m being honest. You pick up bits and bobs and maybe my family read things more than me. I tell them to stay off (social media) but maybe they don’t because it’s a habit for most people these days. I read little bits and bobs, but I’m 29 years old, the captain of Manchester United and have made 52 appearances for my country.

“So, when I look back on my career and put everything into perspective, if I was a young boy then I’m living the dream. I’m doing everything I always wanted to do. Where I’m at at the moment, the next stage of my career I want to start winning trophies. The last year has been difficult, and I haven’t played as well as I’ve done in the previous five years at the top level.

“But I think during a career there’s only probably Lionel Messi and Cristiano [Ronaldo] who are the only two who’ve not had a dip in their careers. It’s a 15-year career if you’re lucky really, there’s no way really, especially with all the scrutiny that’s on defenders these days, you’re not going to have dips. I’m probably going to have another one as well, but it’s how you come back, how you bounce back from them. You’ve got to remain focused and keep the belief in yourself.”