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Harry Maguire insists he is more than capable of handling the abuse that has come his way recently while he also explained why a move away from Manchester United did not materialise over the summer.<\/p>\n
Manchester United news, exclusives and analysis<\/p>\n
The centre-back\u2019s inclusion in the latest England squad was criticised after making just one substitute appearance in the Premier League so far this season and he was mocked mercilessly by Scotland fans in Tuesday\u2019s friendly win in Glasgow, in which he scored an own goal.<\/p>\n
Afterwards, manager Gareth Southgate blamed the English media, pundits and even supporters for the treatment and scrutiny Maguire currently faces and labelled the criticism a \u2018joke\u2019.<\/p>\n
Maguire has now addressed the mockery he has been subjected to in recent months and insists it is not affecting him mentally, while he is happy to keep taking the heat if it means his team-mates are spared of the same kind of treatment.<\/p>\n
\u2018Well, it pretty much takes the pressure away from my team-mates and puts it all on myself! It makes them play better, for sure,\u2019 Maguire told reporters after the 3-1 win over Scotland.<\/p>\n
\u2018I would not say I am a person who struggles with pressure mentally. I have been through a lot in the last couple of years and I have been Manchester United captain for nearly four years.<\/p>\n
\u2018You take a huge lot of responsibility and everything that comes with it \u2013 and that is a lot of bad as well as good.<\/p>\n
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\u2018But it was a huge honour (to play for England against Scotland). It was a hostile environment \u2013 when you hear the national anthem and the way they disrespect that \u2013 and they piled pressure on myself. I would not say I am used to it, but I can deal with it.\u2019<\/p>\n
Maguire came close to leaving United after West Ham had a \u00a330million bid accepted but talks broke down over personal terms, though the 30-year-old is happy to fight for his place at Old Trafford.<\/p>\n
Asked about the failed West Ham move, he continued: \u2018How can I put this? We just didn\u2019t come to an agreement and they were happy for me to stay and I was happy to fight for my place. I want to do that and every time I train or play I will give everything.<\/p>\n
\u2018I considered everything (in the summer) and I know, at the moment, when I have not started a game in the first four of the season, the story comes to me.<\/p>\n
\u2018I finished off last season with two very strong performances for England and I have played in all five matches to help put us where we are in qualifying, so I need to keep performing when I get chosen.<\/p>\n
\u2018Listen, at club football, I want to play games, I want to play football. The first four weeks were hard because it was one game a week and the manager (Erik Ten Hag) didn\u2019t select me, but we have lots of games coming up now and I am sure I will play lots of games.\u2019<\/p>\n