Harry Maguire has graciously accepted an apology from Ghanaian Member of Parliament Isaac Adongo, who had previously ridiculed the Manchester United defender.
Maguire, who became the world’s most expensive defender upon joining United in the summer of 2019, has frequently faced criticism for his performances.
While criticism has come from various sources globally, Maguire was taken aback when his name was disparaged in the Ghanaian parliament last year.
In December 2022, MP Isaac Adongo referred to Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the ‘economic Maguire’ in connection to budget mismanagement within Bawumia’s New Patriotic Party. However, on Tuesday in parliament, Adongo retracted his earlier remarks about Maguire and extended an apology to the United centre-back.
“You remember that last year I was very quick to call my big brother, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Harry Maguire. Mr Speaker, I now apologise to Harry Maguire,” Adongo said.
“Today, Maguire has turned the corner and is a transformational footballer. Maguire is now scoring goals for Manchester United. Mr Speaker, Harry Maguire is now a key player for Manchester United.”
The 30-year-old responded to the apology on X (formerly Twitter), expressing acceptance and humorously adding, ‘see you at Old Trafford soon.’
Maguire has successfully reclaimed his place in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI after rejecting advances from West Ham United in the summer transfer window. An opportunity arose for Maguire due to Lisandro Martinez’s metatarsal injury, allowing him to secure a spot in the central defense.
Having contributed with a goal in the current season, securing a crucial 1-0 victory at home against Copenhagen in the Champions League, Maguire’s consistent presence in United’s starting lineup has also helped him retain his position in the England squad. In the recent 1-1 draw against North Macedonia on Monday night, he had a close call when a clumsy shove on Eljif Elmas went unpunished, avoiding a potential penalty against his team.