Harry Maguire's mother hits out at abuse of her son

Harry Maguire's mother has branded the abuse directed towards her son "disgraceful and totally unacceptable".

The 30-year-old has faced heavy criticism over the last year or so, having lost his spot in the Manchester United starting side due to some lacklustre performances.

Maguire remains a key player for England, but he is down the pecking order when it comes to the starting roles in the middle of the Man United defence, with Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof ahead of him.

The former Sheffield United youngster was also mocked when he scored an own goal against Scotland on Tuesday evening after entering the field as a substitute for the Three Lions.

Maguire's mother, Zoe, took to Instagram to slam the criticism that has been levelled at her son "from some fans, pundits and the media".

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"As a mum seeing the level of negative and abusive comments in which my son is receiving from some fans, pundits and the media is disgraceful and totally unacceptable to any walk of life never mind someone who works his socks off for club and country," she posted on social media.

"I was there in the stand as usual, it's not acceptable what's been created, over nothing. I understand that in the football world there are ups and downs, positives and negatives but what Harry receives has gone far beyond 'football'.

"For me seeing him go through what he's going through is not ok. I would hate to have to see any other parents or players go through this in the future, especially the young boys and girls breaking through the ranks today.

"Harry has a massive heart and it's a good job he's mentally strong and can handle it as others may not be able to. I wish this sort of abuse on nobody!"

England boss Gareth Southgate launched a strong defence of Maguire in the aftermath of the Scotland match, branding the treatment of him "ridiculous".

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The defender, though, has said that he can deal with the criticism that continues to be aimed at him.

"I would not say I am a person who struggles with pressure mentally," he told The Express. "I have been through a lot in the last couple of years and I have been Manchester United captain for nearly four years. You take a huge amount of responsibility and everything that comes with it, and that is a lot of bad as well as good.

"I would not say I am used to it, but I can deal with it. It pretty much takes the pressure away from my team-mates and puts it all on myself. It makes them play better, for sure. It is a little bit of banter and it is a hostile environment, coming away to Scotland.

"We have given them a goal, which is unfortunate. We knew it would be hostile and in the second half, I got most of it. I am happy to go with that, don't worry about that."

Maguire is also confident that he will be able to secure plenty of football for Man United this season, with Varane currently on the sidelines through injury, and Martinez nursing a foot issue, which could open the door for him to start against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.