Some fans used Manchester United's pre-season win over Arsenal as an opportunity to abuse Harry Maguire.
The Red Devils got the better of the Gunners during a 2-0 victory at the MetLife Stadium on Saturday night.
First-half goals from Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho sealed the victory, before winning the obligatory penalty shootout after the full-time whistle.
The result marks their third consecutive win of pre-season. However, some fans had some choice words for Maguire after the full-time whistle, unnecessarily shouting abuse in his direction.Fans rushed to social media to jump to the defence of Maguire, calling one particular supporters' behaviour "embarrassing" and "disrespectful".
"Not gonna lie he played good yesterday and it’s just new season we should have some respect", one fan replied.
"Unnecessary hate tbh, not only United fanbase but the whole internet has declared him as a meme, he was actually good in the match, I respect the fact that he tries very hard to be good enough for Man Utd", another added.
"Absolutely disgraceful," a third exclaimed. "Never mind it being a footballer, imagine talking to someone you don't know like that? As it happens he played really well too."
"This man doesn't deserve any hate. He has tried his best for man u since he joined," a fourth fan wrote."This is just bullying", another added. "No player ever deserves treatment like this from his own fans. Embarrassing from them."
The 30-year-old centre back was recently stripped of the captain's armband after struggling for regular game time under Erik ten Hag last season.
Speaking on the decision, the United boss admitted there was still a future at the club for Maguire, saying: "Everyone can understand it is disappointing for a player, but it can actually work out well for the team and for Harry.
"He stays an important player. He can fight himself into the team. He has potential and it's up to him to get his position.
"Now he can focus more on his role, but a centre-back has to communicate and organise. It's a big area where you have to perform as a centre-half."
Meanwhile, new skipper Fernandes praised Maguire for how he handled the news, telling ESPN that Maguire congratulated him in front of the entire squad.
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