Micah Richards has defended Harry Maguire amid criticism from Roy Keane over the Manchester United captain’s “embarrassing” goal celebration.
The United captain rose highest to nod in the opener as England brushed Albania aside to put them within touching distance of qualification for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Maguire celebrated his goal by wheeling away cupping his ears before knee sliding with his fingers in his ears, taken by some to be directed at recent criticism of his form for United.
Keane didn’t hold back in his opinion of the United-man, labelling him “embarrassing” for his antics in the aftermath of the Three Lions opener.
“People: Footballers are like robots, they have no personality!” Richards fired seemingly in the direction of the fellow Sky Sports pundit.
“Harry Maguire. Scores the opening goal for his country, celebrates with real passion whilst referencing those who have been criticising him.
“People: That’s embarrassing.”
Speaking during the half-time interval, Keane said: “When a player scores [and] puts his hands to his ears he’s like shutting the critics up, I think that’s embarrassing. He’s been a disgrace to Man United. He thinks he scores there he’s shut his critics up, embarrassing.”
It isn’t the first time the Irishman has expressed his opinion on Maguire being vocal in recent weeks with the defender’s performances coming into question during Manchester United’s torrid run of form.
The former Hull City man played down the celebration saying after the game: “No, it wasn’t directed at no one, it was a knee slide, I obviously put my hands on my ears.
“I’m Manchester United captain, of course, I’m going to get criticism when the team isn’t doing well. I fully expect that but it wasn’t directed at anyone.
“Scoring for your country is a great feeling. The first goal in a crucial qualifier, we knew how important the game was… how important the first goal was.”
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