Former Manchester United captain Ashley Young gives verdict on Harry Maguire

Ashley Young understands the pressure of playing for Manchester United but believes the 'unbelievable' Harry Maguire will be able to cope with recent scrutiny.

Maguire's form has once again been under the microscope during the international break after he scored an unfortunate own-goal in Tuesday's 3-1 win over Scotland. The 30-year-old was jeered by sections of Hampden Park and successful passes were met with sarcastic cheers.

After the game, England manager Gareth Southgate branded the abuse as a 'joke' and blamed portions of the English media for fuelling the fire. On Thursday morning, Maguire's mother took to social media to hit back at the mockery of her son.

Young spent just six months with Maguire at United before leaving in January 2020. But the experienced left-sided player has stuck up for his former England teammate.

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"You look at what he’s done for England, his performances for the national team have been unbelievable," Young told talkSPORT. "That’s not something he needed.

"I played with him and I know how good of a player he is and what he brings to a team. When you play for Manchester United you are always in the limelight.

"Maguire could have gone to West Ham but who knows what was happening with him. I think he’ll be ok, but the person he is and the people he has got around him will be telling him he’s still a fantastic player which he is, you can’t take that away from him."

Maguire and Young may have been teammates for this season as Everton were regularly linked with a move for the defender. United were open to selling this summer and