Manchester United defender slams Harry Maguire critics as Jurrien Timber 'warning' clarified

Portugal manager Fernando Santos has suggested he will not drop Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo to the bench.

Gareth Southgate has urged Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag to give Harry Maguire more game time ahead of England's World Cup campaign. The defender started for the Three Lions in their 3-3 draw with Germany and was heavily criticised for giving away a penalty early in the second half.

Gary Neville has admitted he was silent about the Glazers when he was a Manchester United player due to being a club employee.

England goalkeeper David James says Harry Maguire's torrid recent displays are a result of a "self-fulfilling prophecy".The Manchester United defender hit the headlines again this week after his mistakes cost England a couple of goals in their 3-3 draw with Germany at Wembley on Monday night, though James insists his calamitous form is no surprise because fans want him to fail."I feel for Harry Maguire on the basis where he doesn’t seem like he can do a lot right in people’s eyes," the 52-year-old ex-Premier League star told GGRecon.READ MORE: Carragher tells 'England's problem' Harry Maguire 'it's too late' to save Man Utd career"I’ve been in that position myself where it’s almost like a self-fulfilling prophecy, where people wait for you to make a mistake and do something that’s not quite right, and that’s what they were expecting."James said he thought Maguire was an integral part of the England squad, regardless of his form, and backed him to start for the Three Lions at the World Cup."I’m a Harry Maguire fan," James added. "Harry’s an integral part of that squad and was a major reason behind why England got to the final of the European Championships.

Virgil van Dijk for his recent performances for the national side, insisting the 31-year-old "does so little" in the build-up.The Dutch are heading to the Qatar World Cup in tremendous form after winning five of their six Nations League matches this year, including two impressive victories over Belgium - the latest of which Van Dijk scored the winner in.They've also kept clean sheets in both of their last two outings, but Van Basten, who inspired Holland to victory at Euro 88, says he expects a lot more from the Liverpool defender.READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk makes World Cup 'focus' claim after Liverpool's poor start to season "Van Dijk is actually the best man, but does the least in terms of initiative," Van Basten told Ziggo Sport. "It is actually very strange that such a very good player does so little for the Dutch national team in the build-up."By contrast, the 57-year-old was full of praise for Van Dijk's centre back partner, highly-rated Ajax star Jurrien Timber, who was linked with a move to Manchester United over the summer."Timber is a really good builder," Van Basten added.

Manchester United star Harry Maguire is out of Sunday's clash with rivals Manchester City after picking up an injury during England's 3-3 draw with Germany this week.The 29-year-old, who, in spite of the issue, played the full 90 minutes on Monday, is expected to miss around two weeks of action after being spotted limping away from Wembley Stadium.Maguire has spent the past month warming United's bench but has managed to retain his place in Gareth Southgate's England side, despite his poor recent form.READ MORE: Carragher tells 'England's problem' Harry Maguire 'it's too late' to save Man Utd careerHe was at fault for two of Germany's three goals after conceding a penalty for the first and getting caught in possession for the second, allowing the visitors to open up a 2-0 lead, prior to England's late comeback.To make matters worse he also picked up a muscle injury, though his decision to play on through the pain was praised by Three Lions skipper Harry Kane."H had a pretty decent injury there at the end and he played another five or ten minutes on almost one leg, great character from him, really proud of him for that," the Tottenham man said after the game.Does Harry Maguire deserve to go to the World Cup? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.Maguire's injury may not come as much of a blow to United boss Erik ten Hag, who has paired Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane at centre back since matchday three this season, but it comes at a terrible time for the player himself.The former Leicester City defender has less than a month to convince Southgate he deserves a seat on the plane to Qatar, and will now spend half of that period on the treatment table.The England boss backed his struggling star after

Here are your Manchester United morning headlines for Wednesday, September 28

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has urged Harry Maguire to leave Manchester United as it is “too late” for him to resurrect his career at Old Trafford. The Red Devils’ skipper has been a beacon of fury and anger for the United fans, who have become infuriated with his performances.

Manchester United fans have been left with their head in their hands as summer target Benjamin Sesko produced a sparkling volley in the Nations League on Tuesday evening.Sesko channelled his inner Dennis Bergkamp to volley Slovenia ahead in their Nations League League B clash with Sweden. The Slovenian has now netted in his last three games for his national side as well as one assist.The 22-year-old connected on the end of a through ball from the corner of the box before lashing the ball across the face of the goal and beyond the clutches of Robin Olsen.

Gareth Southgate has backed Harry Maguire to bounce back from his England meltdown.Maguire was left red faced after conceding a penalty that allowed Germany to storm into a 2-0 lead at Wembley on Monday night in the Nations League.The Three Lions battled back to earn a thrilling 3-3 draw and spare Maguire's blushes.READ MORE: Eric Cantona still uses old Nokia phone most people disposed of decades ago But his mistake made a mockery of Southgate's decision to keep faith with the defender, despite the fact he has been axed by Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag. Southgate has come under huge pressure to drop Maguire and leave him out of his squad for this winter's World Cup in Qatar.

Gary Neville issued a stern defence of Harry Maguire ahead of England’s 3-3 Nations League draw with Germany on Monday night.

Manchester United were without a number of first-team players in Tuesday’s training session as the last few rounds of international fixtures take place.

Manchester United's Harry Maguire was pictured limping with an injury after England played Germany in the Nations League.

Manchester United are set to revive their interest in Villarreal defender Pau Torres - according to reports.

Luke Shaw says he has “accepted” why he has been dropped by Erik ten Hag and has vowed to be ready when called upon.

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has pledged to keep up the fight in Sunday's derby clash with Manchester City.

Cristiano Ronaldo's failed Deadline Day switch to Manchester City was reportedly never approved by the club's senior hierarchy. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, 37, sealed a switch to Manchester United on the final day of the 2021 summer transfer window, returning to Old Trafford in an initial £12.85 million deal.

Manchester United's fine run of form in the Premier League will be tested to the max this weekend when they make the short trip to face champions and arch-rivals Manchester City.

Manchester United have been told they have a vital role to play in steering Harry Maguire back to calmer waters after being subject to more heavy criticism while on England duty.