MAGUIRE’S GOOD PAL STONES HAS BEEN HIS ROCK
Pair get through tough time V
HARRY MAGUIRE has revealed how he and childhood pal John Stones supported each other through their darkest days last year. The Yorkshire-born centre-back duo might be big rivals for their Manchester clubs – but their friendship united them when they needed it most.
Old Trafford star Maguire suffered a traumatic summer after being arrested and jailed following a brawl on the Greek island of Mykonos, before being sent off for England in the autumn as the Three Lions lost to Denmark.
While Maguire was struggling it looked like City pal Stones was on his way out of the Etihad as he struggled for game time under Pep Guardiola.
But the pair are both flying again – after their bro-mance saw them through.
“We always speak away from football. He’s a good friend, I grew up near him and played against him when he was at Barnsley and I was at Sheffield United,” said Maguire.
“We spoke to each other through times where it was tough.we always talk whether it’s tough or going well.
“I’m close with John but I want him to play as well as he can without winning football matches if that’s possible!
“When it’s tough it’s all about the way you fight back. I’ve felt like I’ve done that this year, which I’m really pleased with, and I’m pleased to see John is back playing really well with confidence too.
“You’re not going to go throughout your career as a defender without being at fault for goals.you get scrutinised when you play in the Premier League so you expect that.
“And when you’re playing for Manchester United you’re under more scrutiny so you have to believe in yourself and keep working hard on the training pitch. That’s what builds the confidence back.”
England boss Gareth Southgate is expected to pair the Manchester stars together in
Albania today as the Three Lions aim for back-to-back
2022World Cup qualifying wins after hammering San
Marino 5-0.
And although that will be
Maguire’s 49th game so far this season
– with the prospect of playing 64 before the
Euros – he is not worried about burn-out.
He said: “I don’t look into the negative thoughts, I see it as a positive that I’ve played so many games.
“I’m working hard when I’m not playing on looking after myself and mentally and physically I feel like I’m in a good place.
“I feel good and more than capable of coping with the remainder of the games.”