Manchester United and England star Harry Maguire has revealed that football legend, David Beckham, reached out to offer his support following abuse from fans, having called him after England’s game against Scotlandback in September.
The Premier League defender — whose career has been taken somewhat of a wobble, to say the least, over the past couple of years — has been subject to a torrent of abuse and jeering not only from opposition fans but sometimes his own supporters when representing both club and country.
Perhaps the worst instance of this was the Scotland match mentioned above, in which Maguire was hounded by tens of thousands of fans inside Hampden Park which, after giving away an own goal, only got worse as the game went on.
Sadly, it was by no means Maguire‘s first rodeo, having been booed by the England support this time last year and by travelling United fans on their most recent pre-season tour. With that in mind, knowing all too well what the kind of abuse is like, Beckham was kind enough to give him a ring.
Harry Maguire has revealed how David Beckham reached out to help him deal with some of the fan abuse he's received 🤝 pic.twitter.com/n3a44idKNE
Speaking to reporters ahead of England‘s friendly against Australia on Friday, 12 October, Maguire explained how Beckham called him “after the Scotland game”, adding that it was a “really nice” gesture and one that was much appreciated after a difficult moment for him.
ADVERTISEMENT
Detailing how Becks “reminded [him] of the career [he’s] had to date and the big moments in [his] career” that he’s produced and played a part in — i.e. winning a first trophy with Man United and making it a World Cup final with the national team — it’s clear that the conversation was an uplifting one.
“When you’re going through tough moments in your career”, the 30-year-old continues, “you’ve got to think on past experiences, memories; where you’ve gone in your career and what you’ve been through.
ADVERTISEMENT
“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. [Beckham’s] been in that position and he knows what it’s like”. Despite now being one of the most beloved players ever, his new Netflix documentary has reminded people just how much abuse he went through — and plenty more.
Following being sent off in the 1998 World Cup against Argentina after kicking out Diego Simeone, the 48-year-old famously had effigies of his likeness hanging in the street, was booed and tormented at nearly every game for a whole season and some even threatened to kidnap his first child, Brooklyn.
Truly sickening stuff.
ADVERTISEMENT
As Maguire went on to add: “Obviously, I watched the documentary and I couldn’t believe how much he went through at the time. In the documentary, Gary Neville speaks about how resilient he is as a person and I think he’s been a huge role model for many footballers growing up, especially in my era”.
Speaking after the abuse during the England vs Scotland game, Maguire’s mother also issued a statement saying that her son’s treatment has “gone far beyond football” and that on a humanistic level, let alone for a concerned parent, it has been “heartbreaking” to sit and watch him suffer.
Following such chronic abuse and the subsequent lack of confidence and/or convincing performances, Maguire was ultimately stripped of the Man United captaincy this season and has had to settle for being a squad player for the majority of games.
Manchester Basketball set to make history at first-ever Super League Cup finals in the city
Danny Jones
In case you missed the latest landmark for Manchester Basketball, both of our men’s and women’s teams have officially reached the 2026 Super League Cup Finals.
Aside from being a huge achievement for the fresh sporting franchise in itself, things are now all set up for a perfect weekend for local fans, with the conclusion of the Super League Cup taking place in our city for the very first time.
All that being said, it’s quite a watershed moment for this new and improved outfit – and pretty soon, too, so here’s hoping they can follow it up with a dream ending against the kings and queens of the capital.
Secure your Cup Finals tickets now 🏆 You don’t want to miss it 🎟️
— Super League Basketball (@SprLeagueBballM) March 8, 2026
It’s rare you get both the male and female members from the same side making it to the final of a major competition in the same year, not to mention having it hosted on their own turf.
Zak Irvin, Captain of the Men’s side, said in a statement: “Since I arrived here, the goal has been to bring championships home to the city.
“Our team has a great opportunity to do that in front of a Manchester crowd on the 22nd. It’s going to be an electric final, and having the backing of the Manchester crowd can be a real difference maker.”
With multiple Manc natives like Kaiyem Cleary, Demi Babalola and Irene Oboavwoduo in the squad – all of whom have come through the club’s junior pathways – they’ve got hometown pride on the line, too.
And better yet, they’ve already proved that they can make sure the weight of the occasion doesn’t get the better of them, having just won a major European knockout match as part of the MOBOs Fringe Festival earlier this week.
Facing off against KK Dubrava from Zagreb, they managed to pull off a narrow victory, beating the Croatians 94-92 to make it through to the quarter-finals of this year’s European North Basketball League (ENBL) knockout phase.
17-year-old Irene added, “It means a lot to me to play in a Cup final in my home city. Having my family and friends there, as well as all the support for Manchester, will be incredible.
“To play in a domestic final around the corner from where I’ve grown up is really unique. We’re all excited for the game; it will be a great occasion.”
With the stage set for what we have every faith will be an unforgettable conclusion at the AO Arena, it’s on us to make sure they’ve got the stands on their side.
Taking place on Sunday, 22 March, with seat prices starting from just £26 for adults (or £65 if you want to sit courtside), let’s help Manchester Basketball get over the line against London Lions.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via MCR Basketball/AO Arena)
Sport
Kyle Walker announces retirement from international football with England at 35
Danny Jones
Former Manchester City star and England defender has announced his retirement from international football at 35 years old.
He calls it a day for his country with nearly a century of appearances.
Kyle Walker, who has won six Premier Leagues, four Carabao trophies, a pair of FA Cups and a Champions League title with Man City, made his national team debut back in 2011.
Now, nearly a full decade and a half later, he is hanging up his boots on the biggest stage, retiring as England’s most capped right back in history.
As you can see, he confirmed the news in a highlight video looking back on her best moments with the Three Lions.
Sharing a lengthy and emotional statement in the caption, the Yorkshireman wrote: “After more than a decade representing my country, I have decided to retire from international football. Playing for England has always been the biggest honour of my career and something I will always be proud of.
“Thank you to every teammate, coach, manager, the 12th man, and everyone behind the scenes who has been part of the journey. Every roar from the fans pushed the team along, and I’m looking forward to joining them to support the lads in the World Cup.”
His last appearance in an England shirt came in June against Senegal, since dropping out of manager Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice team and future plans, with both form and age no doubt being factored into that decision.
Walker added: “The memories in an England shirt will stay with me forever.”
96 caps 🧢 Five major tournaments 🏴 A #ThreeLions legend ⭐
He went on to sign off by saying, “I also want to thank my family for their support every step of the way. They have made this journey even more special, and I will always be grateful to have shared it with them.”
The Sheffield-born fullback left Manchester last year following a loan spell at AC Milan, before joining fellow Premier League side Burnley FC permanently this past July.
Meanwhile, the Clarets are staring down relegation back to the Championship; however, this step will no doubt help Walker prolong his club career, whether or not he stays in Lancashire.
Where does Walker rank among the all-time England defenders in your mind?
Danny Jones -
12th October 2023 
