Ex-England striker Peter Crouch has showered Harry Maguire with praise and condemned the ‘unacceptable’ abuse directed at the Manchester United defender down the years.

United came away from Anfield with their first win at the stadium in nine years last weekend – and Maguire was the hero, rising the highest to thud a towering header beyond Giorgi Mamardashvili in the Liverpool goal.

The England international has made a habit of scoring dramatic late goals for the Red Devils, with five of his last six efforts coming in the 84th minute or later.

However, Maguire has copped his fair share of criticism when his performances have dipped below expectations and the decision was made to strip the centre-back of the captain’s armband in July 2023.

Maguire came close to leaving United later that summer, only to reject a proposed move to West Ham in order to fight for his future at Old Trafford.

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