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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Stephen Killen

Roy Keane labelled a 'bully' for 'embarrassing' Harry Maguire criticism after England goal

Gabriel Agbonlahor has lamented Roy Keane for targeting Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, labelling the former midfielder as a "bully" following his criticism of the Englishman's celebration during the 5-0 win over Albania.

The former Aston Villa forward has called on fans to "get behind" Maguire after recent performances brought the centre-back into the spotlight and in for criticism.

The United captain scored the opening goal as England raced into a 5-0 half-time lead against Albania on Friday as he headed home from Reece James' free-kick. In celebration, he burst towards the corner flag with his hands cupping his ears before knee-sliding.

During the half-time analysis, Maguire came under fire from Keane who labelled his actions as "embarrassing" and a "disgrace to Man United ".

It's not the first time that the ex-Hull City man has been targeted by Keane, after he was slammed for his display against Liverpool before he was questioned following the defeat to Manchester City before the international break.

Agbonlahor wasn't impressed with Keane's comments on ITV, though, as he told talkSPORT : "I think Roy Keane is being a bit of a bully there. I think he's bullying him because Harry Maguire has been under a lot of pressure after some not very good performances for Man United.

"The next game available to prove you're a good centre-half, yes it's Albania, but he had a job to do. He scores, the excitement of scoring you're going to celebrate.

"If I've been going through bad form and I scored a goal I'm going to do the exact same celebration, hands-on your ears to the critics that I'm going to put in a good performance and he done that.

"I thought his defending was very good and he scored a goal. Every time he does something now, it feels like everyone's against him. He's English, he's the captain of Manchester United, and the pressure of that, but he is probably our best centre-half. Let's get behind him, not always trying to criticise him.

"I think for me it's bullying from Roy Keane, everyone sort of jumps on the bandwagon whenever Roy Keane says something."

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