‘I can deal with it’ – Harry Maguire sends defiant message to boo boys and insists Manchester United were happy for him to stay

England international Harry Maguire has told his critics that he can deal with the pressure that rests on his shoulders.

He also insists that he’s ready to fight for his place at Manchester United despite being close to a move away in the summer.

Maguire has found it tough on the pitch in recent timesGetty

Maguire has endured a difficult year in football having lost his place as a consistent starter at Old Trafford and the club captaincy.

Despite appearing just once under Erik ten Hag this season, he has been part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the international break.

He played all 90 minutes in the Euro 2024 qualifying draw against Ukraine and came off the bench in the friendly win over Scotland.

But it proved to be a tough night for Maguire as he scored an own goal and opposition fans jeered every time he touched the ball.

But he’s confident that he can deal with the pressure despite the criticsGetty

Some sections of the England fanbase have also questioned his regular appearances for the Three Lions but Southgate issued a furious defence of the player, and Maguire is certain that he can deal with the pressure.

Speaking to The Sun, he said: “We knew it would be hostile against the Scots and in the second half I got most of it. I am happy to go with that, don’t worry.

“They piled pressure on myself. I wouldn’t say I’m used to it but I can deal with it.”

He added: “I would not say I am a person who struggles with pressure mentally, I have been through a lot in the last couple of years and I was Manchester United captain for nearly four years.

“It was a huge honour and you take a lot of responsibility and everything that comes with it and that is a lot of bad as well as good.”

Amid a decline in appearances in the United starting XI, links with a move away from the club during the summer did not come as a surprise.

Maguire is also keen to still prove his worth at UnitedGetty

West Ham showed heavy interest in the centre-back and agreed a £30million deal but the move collapsed, with Hammers coach Kevin Nolan exclusively telling talkSPORT it was ‘very close’ to happening.

Maguire has played just 23 minutes this season, all of which came off the bench in the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal, but United are pleased he’s still on their books.

He said: “We just didn’t come to an agreement and they were happy for me to stay and I was happy to fight for my place.

“I want to do that and every time I train or play, I will give everything. At club football, I want to play games, I want to play football.

“The first four weeks were hard because it was one game a week and the manager didn’t select me but we have lots of games coming up now and I am sure I will play lots of games.”