Rio Ferdinand says he sympathises with Harry Maguire following a below-par performance for England against Germany.
The defender lost the ball and gave away a penalty by fouling Jamal Musiala for Germany’s opener on 52 minutes. And then 15 minutes later, the United captain was dispossessed while on a marauding run which led to Kai Havertz bending in the away side’s second.
Maguire was handed a second start for England after playing in Friday’s 1-0 loss to Italy despite being dropped from United’s starting XI under Erik ten Hag.
The defender has lost every game he has started for the Reds this season and has not begun a Premier League game following the dismal 4-0 loss to Brentford, only starting the 1-0 Europa League loss to Real Sociedad since.
England fans were singing the Maguire chant during the first half which would have given the 29-year-old an uplift, although this may have been quashed by his second-half showing.
But former United and England star Rio Ferdiand has sent a message of support to Maguire, and hinted that his lack of game time in recent weeks could be a key reason for his latest poor performance for his national side.
Following Maguire’s mistakes, Ferdinand tweeted his support for the centre-half and urged him to remain “strong mentally.” He wrote: “I feel for Harry…. every mistake being punished and scrutinised - comes with the territory though.
“Needs to be strong mentally to get through this! Playing with no games at this level always leaves you open.”
Source: m.allfootballapp.com