Rio Ferdinand says he sympathises with Harry Maguire following a below-par performance for England in their 3-3 Nations League draw with Germany on Monday evening.
The defender lost the ball and gave away a penalty by fouling Jamal Musiala for Germany’s opener on 52 minutes. And then 15 minutes later, the United captain was dispossessed while on a marauding run which led to Kai Havertz bending in the away side’s second.
Maguire was handed a second start for England after playing in Friday’s 1-0 loss to Italy despite being dropped from United’s starting XI under Erik ten Hag.
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The defender has lost every game he has started for the Reds this season and has not begun a Premier League game following the dismal 4-0 loss to Brentford, only starting the 1-0 Europa League loss to Real Sociedad since.
England fans were singing the Maguire chant during the first half which would have given the 29-year-old an uplift, although this may have been quashed by his second-half showing.
But former United and England star Rio Ferdiand has sent a message of support to Maguire, and hinted that his lack of game time in recent weeks could be a key reason for his latest poor performance for his national side.
Following Maguire’s mistakes, Ferdinand tweeted his support for the centre-half and urged him to remain “strong mentally.” He wrote: “I feel for Harry…. every mistake being punished and scrutinised - comes with the territory though.
“Needs to be strong mentally to get through this! Playing with no games at this level always leaves you open.”
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