England ace Harry Maguire said the celebration “was not directed against anyone” as Roy Keane called the Man Utd skipper “a shame”
HARRY MAGUIRE insists his celebration in England’s World Cup qualifier against Albania “was not directed” against anyone.
The Manchester United skipper has cut both ears after opening the scoring in the Three Lions’ 5-0 win at Wembley on Friday night.
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Maguire’s move seemed like a message to his vocal detractors, but the center-back under fire is adamant there was no meaning behind the celebration.
In his post-match interview, the £ 80million defender said: “No, this was not intended for anyone.
“It was a knee slip, I obviously put my hands on my ears, but no.
“I am the Manchester United captain, of course I will get criticism when the team is not doing well, I fully expect that.
“But of course, this is not for anyone.”
Maguire’s celebration enraged Manchester United legend and ITV expert Roy Keane.
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The Irishman fumed: “He puts his hands over his ears as if to silence the critics.
“But I think it’s embarrassing.
“It has been a disgrace the past few months for Manchester United.
“He thinks that if he scores there, he’s going to silence his critics. Annoying.”
Former English hitman Ian Wright said of Maguire’s celebration: “You just don’t have to.
“It’s something I probably would have done.
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“He’s got a lot of football to play, so don’t give them a chance to say, ‘Okay, we got him. “Just play your game, Harry.”
England’s annihilation of Albania saw them extend their lead in Group I to three points and virtually seal their place in next winter’s tournament.
And Maguire admits the team came into the game with one point to prove after a disappointing draw against Hungary in their final qualifying game.
He said: “I think when you play for England there is always an advantage.
“There is that pressure to go and win a football game.
“We didn’t win the last game, against Hungary, we were disappointed with the performance; we talked about it, we analyzed it.
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“I think if you don’t play with an advantage when you play for your country, there is something wrong.”
Maguire and his English teammates will be back in action on Monday night, facing the San Marino background.
The former Leicester City ace will return to club duties next Saturday when United travel to Vicarage Road to face Watford.
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