The pressure to play for Manchester United on a “completely different scale” with other clubs, says Harry Maguire ahead of the new Premier League season

“I think Manchester United has more scrutiny just because more people hate them. That’s just a fact,” Maguire said.

“Everyone in the Premier League hates Man Utd and doesn’t want to see them go well. In England, everyone comes together.”

He added:

“The size of scrutiny and pressure (at Man Utd) they were telling me… it’s just a different league. It’s a completely different scale.”

United were out of the back of their worst campaign during their Premier League days, taking the low 15th place with just 42 points.

But even though they weren’t the strength they once were in Europe, United remains one of the world’s largest and most popular clubs, and Maguire says it leads to extra scrutiny.

“The main thing you noticed is scrutiny and analysis of the match. Everything is analyzed and you have to be perfect in your work,” Maguire continued.

“But on the other hand, when things are going well, you can get the praise and privilege of playing for the best club in the world.”

Maguire became the world’s most expensive defender when he left for United. And with such tags, many were expected and there was little room for it.

In an age of social media where you can record good or bad moments and post online, Maguire has discovered some of the criticisms he finds difficult to deal with.

“My toughest moment? I had six bad moments. Everything I did was online, my videos, misguided passes.

“I can get constructive criticism from players and former players, but I think it’s all reached all stages for clicks and what happened after that.

“Personally the toughest moment was when I was jealous when I played in England in Scotland, and I came on the pitch and they probably thought it was a bit of a joke, but I think it got to the stage.

“It was a really unusual moment, I had a lot of support and people reached out to me. I was really grateful for it.”

Maguire was stripped of United’s captain at the end of the 2022/23 Premier League season by then-manager Eric Ten Hag, and was heavily linked to his journey away from Old Trafford after West Ham United accepted the bid.

However, he fought to stay with the club and worked to regain his position in the team. He managed in his next campaign.

So, what advice would he give to younger players experiencing his struggles?

“The main thing I always say is that you can only do what you can,” he said. “On the football pitch, you are judged and when you play for this club, everything is analyzed.

“Every goal behind the net is someone else’s fault, and it’s always identified by someone, even though it might be a good goal.

“I think you’ll get used to it, but I think a young boy will come in… When you’re a young boy, you’re not afraid, then you make some mistakes and after a few seasons people start to expect things from you, that’s when the real test comes.

“I’ve seen a lot of Manchester United players get through in a year or two and start asking questions after their second year and get a little soaking up in their form.