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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Sean McCormick

'Cut the guy some slack': Manchester United captain Harry Maguire defended after Roy Keane criticism

Former Aston Villa and England forward Gabby Agbonlahor has doubled down on his criticism of ex-Manchester United captain Roy Keane.

Keane hit the headlines on Friday evening after his scathing criticism of Harry Maguire's goal celebration in England's 5-0 win over Albania at Wembley Stadium.

Maguire has come under fire for his recent performances for Manchester United, with the Reds currently on a run of just one win in their last six Premier League games.

Former United hero, Keane, in his role as a pundit on Sky Sports, has been one of Maguire's most vocal critics and that extended into international football on Friday evening.

Maguire headed England into a 1-0 lead in their penultimate World Cup qualifier and cupped his ears in celebration, seemingly in response to the criticism he has received for his performances at club level.

Keane, working as a pundit for ITV's coverage of the game, dubbed Maguire 'embarrassing' which led Agbonlahor to label the former Ireland international as a 'bully'.

And the 35-year-old has now backed up his criticism of Keane, while issuing a stern defence of Maguire.

"The celebration, for me, what Maguire should have done is owned it afterwards," Agbonlahor told TalkSPORT.

"If he said: 'So what? I have put my hands up celebrating scoring a goal for my country. I have been having some critics, this is the first game I have had since the last game for Manchester United where I was poor.'

"All he can do is go out there and put on a good performance and that is what he did. Yes, it was against Albania. Yes, it was against San Marino in the last game but he is building his confidence back up and next game against Watford at the weekend he will go into that and hopefully have a good game and keep a clean sheet.

"I just feel with some of the comments, whenever Roy Keane speaks everyone jumps on the bandwagon.

"He was 'embarrassing', he was a 'disgrace'. He is a footballer. Everyone is quick to talk about mental health but footballers who play now shouldn't go through it?

"Do you think Harry Maguire is not looking after the game and thinking: 'Why am I getting battered on social media? I have scored a goal for my country'."

Maguire starred for England in the summer as the Three Lions came within a penalty shootout of winning the European Championships.

As such, Agbonlahor feels Maguire's critics needs to 'cut the guy some slack', particularly after he has scored a goal for his country.

"He probably is training hard, working hard and I think we are quick to forget what he did in the Euros," Agbonlahor added.

"It's like that is gone now, we got to the final, but he was outstanding. Cut the guy some slack.

"I have seen loads of ex-players come out now and say they totally agree that Roy has been too hard on him. Give the guy a chance.

"I am not saying he shouldn't be criticised. Of course he should if he is not having a good game but when you score a goal, give the guy a break.

"It is as simple as that."

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