Roy Keane defends boos targeted at Harry Maguire
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has been one of the most vocal critics of Manchester United defender Harry Maguire.
The United skipper was booed in England’s friendly game against Ivory Coast, which prompted England head coach Gareth Southgate to speak against those who booed the centre-back.
Roy Keane surprisingly defended the critics, as he claimed that Southgate shouldn’t have backed the player.
“I think Gareth has made it a bigger story than what it is. Every player gets booed. There’s going to be idiots at football matches. England fans have got a lot of idiots,” said the Irishman on ITV.
“And if they’re going to boo Harry Maguire, I think Gareth could have easily said that it’s no big deal. He actually played well, just focus on that.
“I think he’s made a bigger story than what it is. And Gareth is almost picking and choosing when to support his players. Raheem Sterling had a bust-up two or three years ago, he was bombed out of the squad. He’s left other players out.
“I remember when Harry was sent off [in October 2020] against Denmark. He didn’t really support him – I thought – when he was walking off the pitch.
“So I think Gareth’s made a bigger story than what it is. Just get on with the game. He played well! And he’ll get fans back onside by his performances, not by people [like Southgate] reacting to a few boos or social media. Forget about it.
“Be big enough and man enough just to get on with the game. And he played well – that’s the most important thing.”