Harry Maguire admits Manchester United deserve criticism for their underperformance this season, but has brushed aside rumors of dressing room disharmony. Ralf Rangnick suffered his first loss as interim manager to Wolves last week, followed by reports of player unrest. Maguire said United – seventh in the Premier League – should do better as they prepare for Monday’s FA Cup third round match against Aston Villa.
“I’ve clearly seen a lot of criticism and a lot is absolutely justified, but for me, with this team, it shouldn’t be criticism to motivate players,” Maguire said in an interview published on the club’s website.
“We all have to take a huge responsibility, myself as a captain as much as everyone else if not more,” he said.
“We have to play well and win… This team finished second last year and we have a better and bigger squad this year, so we have to show the right attitude.”
Maguire downplayed suggestions of player disharmony, but admitted it was difficult to keep all members of a large squad happy.
“We are all angry and want to give our best, which has probably happened on the pitch, but the team spirit is good despite what people say,” said the England defender.
“As a professional footballer you have to take criticism on the chin and respond well to it. At the same time, sometimes you have to ignore the noise from outside and just put your head down (in training).”
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The former Leicester defender added: “I came here to win titles. I could have signed elsewhere but I wanted to be with United and help them return to the winning ways the club had in the Sir Alex (Ferguson) ) era.
“It will come if we all stick together. I grew up worshiping people like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic — and I want to repeat what they’ve accomplished.”
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