Brendan Rodgers blames Manchester United fans for Harry Maguire criticism

Harry Maguire's former manager Brendan Rodgers believes Manchester United supporters are partly responsible for the widespread criticism aimed at the centre back on social media.

The Reds defender was widely criticised and mocked on social media this week after scoring an own goal in England's 3-1 victory over Scotland. After the match, Gareth Southgate described the abuse Maguire is receiving as 'a joke' and incomparable to what anyone else has received.

Maguire is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and found his game time cut by Erik ten Hag since he took over. A transfer away from Manchester looked close to being agreed in the summer but negotiations between the defender and West Ham saw the deal come to a halt.

One person who knows Maguire well is Celtic chief Rodgers who managed him during his time at Leicester City. When asked in his pre-match press conference about the current situation surrounding his former centre-back, the 50-year-old laid the blame at United fans' feet.

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He explained: "I find it a real shame [the criticism Maguire receives] if I am honest. He is a good guy and obviously a top class player and the focus and the noise that has been around him has sadly, probably been created by his own club's supporters.

"That has now spilt out into other clubs' supporters. I was at the game the other night [Scotland vs England] and this is a guy who at the last World Cup was in the team of the World Cup so he is not that bad a player. I know having worked with him, if you needed somebody by your side when it is tough, you would want him beside you.

"He's a great man, very honest to the game and I know why Gareth picks him because he has