Roy Keane reveals apology as Euro 2024 pundit says he was 'too harsh' with criticism
Roy Keane has revealed he apologised to Harry Maguire after mocking the Manchester United defender.
STICKTOFOOTBALL
Roy Keane has revealed he apologised to Harry Maguire after mocking the Manchester United defender.
Maguire is missing Euro 2024 this summer, with Gareth Southgate leaving the centre-back out of his squad due to his ongoing injury issues.
Keane has been critical of the former Leicester and Hull star over the years, especially since Maguire's move to Old Trafford back in 2019.
And the 52-year-old, speaking on Stick to Football, has now revealed he apologised to the England star after he 'crossed the line'.
Roy Keane has revealed he apologised to Harry Maguire after mocking the Manchester United defender.
STICKTOFOOTBALL
He said: “I was harsh on Harry Maguire for footballing reasons and obviously we do a lot of United matches.
“He's struggled at United, had a tough time with England – but more so club level.
“We're on about the mental health of players, and I've crossed the line with Maguire – I mocked him a little bit and it's not nice.
“I've played the game, I know how hard it is, but I'm also big enough… I bumped into Harry a few months ago and I apologised to him.
“Sometimes as pundits we get it wrong as well, but there is a point where you go, if it's personal then you're crossing the line.”
Keane has previously said Maguire needs to 'sort his game out'.
Speaking after United were destroyed by Liverpool in a 5-0 defeat back in 2021, he said: : “I heard Maguire talking during the week, there's no emotion behind it.
"[Luke] Shaw's fallen back into his old habits from a few years ago.
“Maguire needs to sort his game out. It's nothing to do with fitness, it's just a lack of professionalism.
"There are clearly talented players at the top of the pitch. Midfield and defensively you do worry.”
And, back in February, Keane also pinpointed Maguire as a weakness for United.
“They aren’t pressing up," he said.
"I don’t want to be just pinning it on Maguire, but there’s always that worry with Maguire coming up and squeezing the pitch, like all the other top teams are doing.
“There’s that worry with him all the time – that’s where there is gaps.
“They are frightened to death to come all the way up because they’re thinking ‘anything over the top, he’d be in trouble.'”
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Roy Keane believes he went too far with his criticism of Harry Maguire
PA
Meanwhile, Maguire said earlier this month that he was 'devastated' after failing to make England's squad for Euro 2024.
"I am devastated not to have been selected to play for England at the Euros this summer," he said.
"Despite my best efforts, I have not been able to overcome an injury to my calf.
"Maybe I pushed myself too hard, to try and make it. Simply, I am absolutely gutted.
"For me, representing England is the highest honour. It means everything to me.
Harry Maguire has been inconsistent during his time at Man Utd
PA
"If I can’t help the team as a player, I will support them as a fan – along with the rest of the country. Go and win it boys.
"Next, I will return to the supervision of the Manchester United medical team in order to prepare for next season."
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