Van de Beek defends Maguire after boos in Manchester United friendly

Donny van de Beek defended Manchester United teammate Harry Maguire after he was booed by some fans during Tuesday's 3-1 friendly win over Crystal Palace in Melbourne.

The United captain is trying to rebuild his reputation following a difficult 2021-22 season. Maguire faced fierce criticism for his unconvincing form over that campaign and was jeered while playing for England in March.

And now, the 29-year-old has received a similar reception on the other side of the world. Maguire's name was jeered when the lineups were read out ahead of kickoff before his every touch was booed for around 30 minutes of the first half, according to ESPN's Rob Dawson.

"I didn't know really what happened. But if I saw the game today I think Harry was playing really well," Van de Beek said after the match at Melbourne Cricket Ground, according to BBC Sport's Simon Stone.

"He was aggressive, he got so many balls, so that means he has a big personality.

"He has a lot of experience, so I think that's positive what he (showed), his performance today."

Erik ten Hag plans to partner Maguire alongside big-money signing Lisandro Martinez in central defense this term, Stone reports. However, the Yorkshireman will face competition from four-time Champions League winner Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, and Axel Tuanzebe in that position.

"Harry is really impressive, and I expect a lot from him," Ten Hag said Monday, according to The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell. "But there is also internal competition and that is what a club like Man United needs. You cannot win with 11 players.

"We need a squad, especially this season with so many games. We have the Europa League, the Premier League, and the World Cup so we need a full squad with high-quality players, not quantity."