‘There is a line, we are human beings’: Maguire opens up on threats and boos

Harry Maguire has opened up on his season of misery and insisted he will bounce back, beginning in England’s upcoming Nations League programme which begins on Saturday.

The Manchester United captain has been jeered by fans of his own team at club and international level as his form has nosedived. But the 29‑year‑old defender made it clear that the bomb threat to his family home on 20 April was beyond the pale. “There is a line,” Maguire said.

“We are human beings. I do have a family. People ask if it affects me. My mentality is that it doesn’t affect me too much but when it comes to bomb threats, it is more about family.

“I’m just happy my kids are at an age where they don’t read things and see things on the news. If my kids were an older age, they could see things and go to school and people are speaking about it. That is when it affects you a little bit more.

“I’m in a position where I’m going to be criticised. Manchester United paid a large sum of money for me. It is one of the most loved clubs in the world and also one of the most hated in the world as well.

“We know we are under the most scrutiny. I totally accept criticism when we concede goals or make mistakes. I’m big enough to accept people getting on my back and saying I can improve.”

The bomb threat came the day after United’s 4-0 defeat at Liverpool and led to Cheshire police returning to carry out a precautionary sweep of the property.

The previous month, Maguire’s late substitution in United’s Champions League exit against Atlético Madrid was cheered by a section of the Old Trafford support and in his next game – for England against Ivory Coast in March – he was booed by some fans at Wembley.

“I have had amazing times with the [England] fans and I am not