Maguire: The criticism is justified – we have to start winning

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Manchester United captain Harry Maguire admits the team deserve recent criticism and need to show they have what it takes to put on the jersey.

The Red Devils suffered a first loss under the management of interim manager Ralf Rangnick with a 1-0 home loss in the Premier League to Wolves on Monday night.

United’s modest performance was followed by reports of a bad mood in the dressing room, and on the back being branded “a bunch of backpacks” by former defender-turned-TV expert Gary Neville in the mid- time to draw 1-1 at struggling Newcastle.

Maguire knows the players need to do better, as they prepare to return to action in the FA Cup third round against Aston Villa on Monday night.

“I’ve obviously seen a lot of criticism and a lot of it is absolutely justified, but for me, with this team, they shouldn’t need criticism to motivate players,” Maguire told National Newspapers, in an interview posted to www .manutd .com.

“If players of this quality are not motivated to play for this club when they put on the shirt, something is wrong.”

Maguire added: “From what fans and former players have said, we understand.

“Like I just said, a lot of things are warranted and we all have to take a huge responsibility, myself as a captain as much as anyone, if not more. We have to start playing well and winning.

“This team was second last year and we have a better and bigger team this year, so we have to show the right attitude.

“We have big players in the team, leaders. I’m sick of repeating myself but it can’t go on like this – we have to have a good race, starting on Monday.”

Maguire expects a reaction, but has played down any suggestions of contention in the locker room.

“We are all angry and want to do our best, which has probably manifested itself sometimes on the pitch, but the team spirit is good despite what people are saying,” added the England defender.

“As a professional footballer you have to take criticism on the chin and react to it.

“At the same time, sometimes you have to ignore the outside noise and just put your head down (in training).

“We know that if we can put together a series of results, everything else will sort itself out.”

Maguire maintains that the team has no doubts about the expected standards.

“I am the captain and leader in the dressing room and I have had private conversations with the players and management which will remain private,” he said.

“Make no mistake, I’m here for the fight and I know my teammates are. I expect them to be and if they aren’t, then – like I said – there is something wrong.

“We have a great team. Of course not all players will always be happy because they don’t play, but that’s football and we all have to stay professional.”

Former Leicester defender Maguire added: “I came here to win titles. I could have signed elsewhere, but I wanted to be at United and help them regain the club’s winning path in Sir Alex. [Ferguson] time.

“It will come if we all stick together. I grew up idolizing Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic – and I want to repeat what they accomplished.

“I am privileged to be the captain and I have a responsibility to lead the players and turn things around.”

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