MANCHESTER UNITED legend Steve Bruce is considering giving Harry Maguire a friendly ring.
That’s in a bid to support the defender amid ongoing fan abuse.
ReutersHarry Maguire could get a phone call of support from Steve Bruce[/caption]
AlamyThe Man Utd legend feels fan abuse of Maguire has gone too far[/caption]
Maguire, 30, finds himself an outcast at United after snubbing an exit over the summer.
He endured a torrid previous campaign under Erik ten Hag, making just 16 league appearances.
The centre-back was then stripped of the United captaincy over the summer.
And earlier this month, Gareth Southgate launched a passionate defence of Maguire after the defender was taunted by fans during England’s 3-1 win over Scotland.
Maguire continues to face an uncertain future at Old Trafford following the arrival of Jonny Evans.
But one man backing him to stay strong is ex-Red Devils skipper Bruce.
He reckons the abuse of Maguire has crossed the line.
Bruce believes the ace has never let England down after Southgate insisted he remains a regular starter.
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And Bruce admits he almost rang Maguire over the summer to offer a friendly word when criticism from fans grew too strong.
Bruce told Up Front with Simon Jordan: “I think the abuse of Harry Maguire has gotten to a level that I don’t think any of us have ever seen before.
“He’s always the subject of frustration from Manchester United supporters whenever he makes a mistake.
“I wonder sometimes whether it is England supporters, but I can’t remember a time when he’s ever let England down – in fact, I think he’s always done particularly well.
“It seems to be that everywhere he’s going – maybe because he is getting stick so much at Old Trafford – that every ground is replicating it. It borders on ridicule, and I don’t like that.
“I nearly rang him in the summer because I know him from my time managing him at Hull City.
“I personally think that I would have moved on because once the manager has showed his cards and made it clear that you won’t be playing then you need to move on.
“He needs to go and find his career again and he needs to feel respected. I thought with David Moyes in charge at West Ham that it would have been a really good fit.”
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