Manchester United’s Harry Maguire reveals what David Beckham said to him in touching phone call

Man United defender Harry Maguire was ironically cheered during England’s win over Scotland last month, but received support from David Beckham.

Harry Maguire decided to thank ‘classy’ David Beckham, as the Manchester United legend called him last month after being jeered by Scottish fans.

Maguire has been a frequent target of public ridicule and insults in recent years, with the centre-back even being booed by a small number of United supporters during pre-season friendlies. Maguire scored an own goal after coming on as a substitute in England’s 3-1 win over Scotland last month, with his every touch ironically cheered by the home fans in Glasgow.

Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate came to Maguire’s defense after the match, calling the 30-year-old’s treatment an “absolute joke”. Maguire has now revealed that after the match, Beckham, who has faced many taunts throughout his playing career, contacted him to give him some advice.

“I actually spoke with David about three weeks ago, after the game,” Maguire said. “He got in touch with me so it was really nice of him and I really appreciated that.

“It meant everything. I’ve spoken throughout my career about David Beckham being someone I looked up to and watched when I was a young boy. It shows how classy he is to reach out to me and to message me. It was something I really appreciate. It was touching really.”

Beckham, who captained England for six years, was sent off in a World Cup last-16 tie against Argentina in 1998 for kicking out at Diego Simeone. After England went on to lose on penalties, Beckham became a target for abuse from rival fans and some sections of the media as he was blamed for the exit.

“He reminded me of the career I’ve had to date and the big moments I’ve had in my career,” Maguire continued. “I think when you’re going through tough moments you’ve got to go through past experiences and past memories and where you’ve gone in your career and what you’ve been through.

“Every career is so up and down, especially when you reach what I’ve reached, in terms of being the captain of the biggest club in the world for three and a half years. He’s been in that position and knows what it’s like.

“I have had some huge plaudits over the years playing for my country. Probably the last year or so hasn’t been like that but the previous five I was getting loads and loads of credit.

“That’s football, that’s the way it works. You don’t just keep playing at the top and not get no criticism. That doesn’t happen unless you are the best in the world and that’s probably Messi and Ronaldo, and even they still get criticised as well.

“There has been a lot of talk about me over the last year. For that talk to happen, you have got to have built your way up to be a top performer like I’ve done over the previous five years to that.

“Things haven’t gone to plan over the last year or so but I am sure it will get back on track. A career is a long path. Many ups, many downs, it probably has been a little blip and I am trying to be back to where I was.”