Roy Keane apologises to Harry Maguire for 'harsh and personal' criticisms | OneFootball

Manchester United legend and pundit Roy Keane has admitted he has apologised to Harry Maguire, acknowledging that certain past criticisms of the defender had 'crossed the line'.

Beyond his playing and managerial career, Keane has built a reputation as a stern critic on TV, subjecting even Erling Haaland, one of the world's best footballers, to severe judgment.

For his England and United performances, centre-back Maguire has frequently faced criticism, with none perhaps as fierce as that from Keane.

In 2021, Maguire - alongside Luke Shaw - was branded 'an absolute disgrace' to United following the team's heavy 5-0 loss to Liverpool, while more recently, Keane suggested that the 31-year-old's defensive abilities were holding the Red Devils back.

But the Irishman has revealed he has tried to make amends with Maguire for what he's said in the past.

Maguire has often been scapegoated for Man Utd's shortfalls / Richard Heathcote/GettyImages

"I was harsh on Harry Maguire for footballing reasons and obviously we do a lot of United matches," Keane said on The Overlap.

"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."

Due to injury, Maguire missed the opportunity to represent England at Euro 2024. In his absence, Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi has stepped in and emerged as one of the Three Lions' standout players this summer.