Man United Defender Reveals Career Advice From Legendary Icon Beckham

Man United defender, Harry Maguire revealed he received career advice from the club legend David Beckham after abuse from Scotland fans while on England duty.

During the Three Lions’ 3-1 victory last month at Hampden Park, where he also scored an own goal, the United defender was taunted and jeered by the crowd each time he touched the ball. After the game, Beckham contacted Maguire to encourage him and remind him of the “big moments” in his career to help him move past the disappointment.

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“I actually spoke with David about three weeks ago after the Scotland game,” Maguire said. “He got in touch with me so it was really nice of him and I really appreciated that. It meant everything. I’ve spoken throughout my career about David Beckham being someone I looked up to and watched when I was a young boy. Unfortunately, I didn’t end up on the right wing scoring and assisting as many goals as he has, but he was a big role model when I was growing up.

“It shows how classy he is to reach out to me and to message me. It was something I really appreciate. It was touching really. I don’t want to go too much into the conversation but the main thing he did is he reminded me of the career I’ve had to date and the big moments I’ve had in my career. I think when you’re going through tough moments you’ve got to go through past experiences and past memories and where you’ve gone in your career and what you’ve been through. 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 3½ years. He’s been in that position and knows what it’s like.”

Maguire additionally disclosed that the new Beckham documentary series on Netflix had influenced him. After being dismissed during England’s World Cup loss to Argentina in 1998, the former United midfielder received a lot of backlash from supporters, but he kept his own and did not let it affect how he played the game.

Maguire praised Inter Miami’s tenacity and acknowledged that since he was a child, the co-owner has served as a “huge role model” for him.

“I have watched it,” Maguire said. “A lot of people are speaking about me at the moment, but to see what he went through and the resilience he showed. 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. I think he’s been a huge role model for many footballers growing up, especially in my era. It is a great watch and one that I really enjoyed and also one that [seeing him] really inspired me.”

For the next friendly match against Australia and the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifying match against Italy, Maguire has been called up by England manager Gareth Southgate. In the event that the defender is given the chance to play in any of the two games, he will try his best to succeed and turn around his fortunes.