Jamie Carragher and Steve Bruce agree on Harry Maguire amid Manchester United struggles

Since his disappointing performance for England last week, a number of former players have come out to defend Harry Maguire.

The Manchester United skipper has been dropped by Erik ten Hag after a tricky start to the season following a horrific 2021/22 campaign. He sat out Sunday’s 6-3 defeat to Manchester City due to a knee injury he suffered while on Three Lions duty.

In the aftermath of the 3-3 draw with Germany, during which he was at fault for two goals, social media was hot with criticism of the 29-year-old. Jamie Carragher said a lot of “bullying” of Maguire had gone on, something he rebuked.

READ MORE: Jamie Carragher calls out Harry Maguire 'bullying'

Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “The criticism he is getting, I think is over the top and it's bullying, it has got to that stage, certainly on social media. They are almost ridiculing the lad.

“But then you [should] actually think about what he's done, especially when he's been in an England shirt.” Former United centre-back hero Steve Bruce has now also defended Maguire, who helped England reach a World Cup semi-final and Euros final, advising him on what to do next.

The West Brom boss told Sky Bet (via Pundit Arena): “I think the treatment of Harry Maguire has been harsh – he’s always determined to do well. He’s going through a tricky patch.

“It’s football – he has to batten down the hatches and forget about the social media nonsense. He has to focus on getting himself back in the team at Manchester United and doing all the basics well again.

“I have the privilege of knowing Harry very well, and he has the fierce determination to do well. He’s never ever let England down.”

Last week, Ten Hag said he “backed” Maguire “because I believe in him.” He added: “I can