Harry Maguire reveals private message to Joshua Zirkzee after Man Utd star left in tears
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Harry Maguire insists he has always seen himself as a leader at Manchester United, and says he felt the need to reach out to Joshua Zirkzee after the forward's Newcastle nightmare last month. Forward Zirkzee, a summer signing from Bologna, was ruthlessly mocked by home fans as his 33rd minute substitution was celebrated by some sections of home fans in the 2-0 Old Trafford defeat to the Magpies on December 30.
The devastated Dutch international was left in tears after the reaction, but Maguire was quick to console him. "I sent him a private message after the [Newcastle] game," said the centre-back ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash with Rangers. "Listen, Joshua is a good player - you don't play for this club if you're not a good player. We have amazing fans who stick with us through thick and thin. It's not about individuals.".
In United's following game, a 2-2 draw at Liverpool, Zirkzee was cheered by travelling fans when he came on as an 86th minute substitute, and he then scored the crucial penalty in United's FA Cup third round shootout victory over Arsenal. Maguire was United's club captain for three-and-a-half years before being stripped of the armband by Erik ten Hag in July 2023, but he says he doesn't need the armband to try and set an example.
"I wouldn't put it down to that, whether I'm captain or not, I see myself as a leader in this group of players," he said. "I'm experienced now, and playing for this club there are ups and downs. It's part and parcel of playing for this club. I look at previous players and the likes of (Wayne) Rooney and (David) Beckham, they had a large amount of scrutiny on them and they're world-class players.".
