Harry Maguire was booed by the sections of the Aviva Stadium crowd, as Manchester United played a pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao.
The much-maligned England defender was part of a largely back-up Red Devils side which made the short trip across the Irish Sea for the game.
Maguire has dropped down the central defensive pecking order at Old Trafford, due to some shaky performances over the past couple of years and with half an hour played at the Aviva, it became apparent that he hasn't regained his confidence on the ball just yet.
The former United captain attempted to play the ball with the outside of his boot, only for a Bilbao player to claim the ball, allowing Nico Williams to slot home seconds later.
6 August 2023; The Manchester United team before the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Aviva crowd boo Harry Maguire
In the aftermath of the goal, Maguire was on the receiving end of some boos from the Aviva crowd, most of whom were there to support Erik ten Hag's side.
With all the talk of the money that people spent to attend the friendly, you'd think ticket-holders would be able to enjoy their afternoon without further knocking the confidence of a player who is clearly in need of a boost.
It must be said that some of the boos were met with cheers, seemingly in defence of Maguire, and he was then applauded the next few times he was on the ball.
The situation was described by The Athletic's Manchester United correspondent Laurie Whitwell as "all a bit pantomime," and that's about the best way to sum it up.
Maguire now applauded the next two times he gets possession. All a bit pantomime.#MUFC
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) August 6, 2023
Tough summer for Maguire
Maguire has had a tough summer, having been stripped of the captaincy in favour of Bruno Fernandes, and has a big job on his hands in order to convince Ten Hag that he should remain part of his plans.
The last thing he needs is the vast Irish arm of the United support-base kicking him while he's down.
