Manchester United captain Harry Maguire was repeatedly booed by supporters during the club's pre-season friendly against Crystal Palace in Melbourne on Tuesday.
The 29-year-old played for 65 minutes in the Red Devils' 3-1 win over the Eagles, which saw Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho all get on the scoresheet.
Maguire started the match with the captain's armband and joined Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof and summer signing Tyrell Malacia in the back four.
However, the centre-back was subject to boos whenever he was in possession of the ball by some of the 76,499 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
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United midfielder Donny van de Beek, who came on in the same game as a second-half substitute, believes that Maguire produced a 'positive' performance despite the crowd's reactions.
Speaking to Sky Sports News after the match, Van de Beek said: "I heard (the boos) as well. I didn't know really what happened. But if I saw the game today I think Harry was playing really well.
"He was aggressive, he got so many balls, so that means he has a big personality. He has a lot of experience, so I think that's positive what he [showed], his performance today."
Maguire, who was also booed while representing England in their international friendly against Ivory Coast in March, endured a disappointing 2021-22 campaign with Man United, and it has been speculated that he could be stripped of the captaincy.
However, head coach Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Maguire will remain as his captain at Old Trafford, with the defender having worn the armband for the previous two seasons.
Speaking to reporters, via The Sun, on their pre-season tour of Australia, Ten Hag said: "I will support him everywhere I can. In the end he has to do it by himself, and he has the qualities to do it. He has showed it so often in the past."
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"The captain is a really important one and I'm happy with him. He has played 60 times for England. Harry is really impressive and I expect a lot from him."
Maguire revealed last week that he is "feeling refreshed and ready to go" ahead of the new season, and he is now looking to put aside last season's misery.
"Last season was a long, tough, difficult season but we've got to put it behind us now and look forward to the future under the new manager," the defender told MUTV.
"We know we've got to improve on last season and we will do. We'll work hard. The lads have all come back in great shape.
"I got married in the summer so it was a good summer for me and I went and relaxed on my honeymoon with my wife so it was a great summer for me. I feel relaxed and refreshed and ready for a big season."
Maguire and the rest of the United squad are scheduled to face Aston Villa in Perth on Saturday before travelling to Norway to face Atletico Madrid on July 30.
Oliver Thomas
