Arsenal man jumps to defence of Man Utd star amid ‘unfortunate’ criticism

Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale believes Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is one of England’s ‘best’ defenders.

The Three Lions beat Scotland 3-1 on Tuesday night at Hampden Park. However, Maguire scored an own goal and were jeered by the home supporters when he had the ball.

It has been a tough past few years for the former Hull City and Leicester City defender and he has been under fire from the press and supporters. He was linked with a move away from Old Trafford over the summer but nothing materialised in the end and he stayed with Erik ten Hag’s side beyond the deadline.

Maguire, 30, came off the bench for United in their away defeat at Arsenal in their final outing before the international break. The Gunners won 3-1.

Ramsdale has had this to say on his friend’s situation: “I can sympathise with him in a way because I’ve been at the other end of the Premier League fighting to stay up, been relegated twice. When you’re in a period where crowds, pundits or fans, you’re under the microscope. Every little thing is analysed and detailed.

“If he was playing week in, week out, or if this noise wasn’t around and he scored an own goal it probably would have been brushed under the carpet. He’s tried to do the right thing, clear it, and it’s gone in. It’s unfortunate. But at the minute, because of his situation, people are over-hyping [saying], ‘he shouldn’t be playing, he shouldn’t be here’.

“And Harry Maguire, as we’ve seen over the past few years with England is one of the best defenders we’ve got. So strong mentally, got a great group of people around him, him and his family, and he knows his qualities. He’s always a threat in the box for set pieces, he knows he can defend, he knows he’s a leader.

“I love playing with him. Tonight was one of them unfortunate things which it goes in the back of the net, on another day it goes out for a throw or a corner.”

Arsenal are back in action after the break with an away trip to Everton this weekend. Ramsdale faces competition from David Raya for his place between the sticks.