'One of the best defenders in our history' – Harry Kane defends 'scapegoat' Harry Maguire ahead of Bayern v Man Utd

England and Manchester United central defender Harry Maguire is "one of the best defenders in England's history" and has come under "unnecessary scrutiny" according to international teammate Harry Kane ahead of Bayern Munich's UEFA Champions League match against the Premier League side.

Maguire has fallen out of favour at Man Utd over the last year but has retained the faith of England manager Gareth Southgate.

He scored an own goal for England against Scotland in the two sides' 150th anniversary heritage match in Glasgow, which England won 3-1. The home fans at Hampden Park loudly cheered when he was substituted on, and then whenever he had the ball at his feet.

Kane and Maguire are set to meet when Bayern host Man Utd in Group A of the Champions League on Wednesday.

Asked about the recent criticism of Maguire, Kane said: "He has come under some really unnecessary scrutiny.

"He has probably been scapegoated a little bit in terms of the way the team have gone over in recent times.

"He's a really good friend of mine, a great guy, and a really hardworking professional. From an England point of view, he is one of our best defenders in recent times.

"I'd go as far to say as one of the best defenders in our history of our country in an England shirt.

"It's part of our game now. It's part of football. You're scrutinised all over social media but knowing him, all he'll want to do is work harder, improve, get better, and stay focused.

"We're fully behind him as a national team. I know the coach [Gareth Southgate] came out, and backed him fully. There is always going to be noise around players."

Kane will be coming up against English opposition for the first time since Bayern from Tottenham in the summer.

He was also linked with Manchester United, but says he is "really happy" with his decision.

"Obviously over the summer I know there were some talks between a few clubs in the background, but Bayern was a team I was really interested by and really excited by so there weren't many other discussions.

"Once they came in, it was between them and Tottenham to talk and the deal got done. My focus is on here, obviously Manchester United are a great club, a really big club as well but I decided to come here and I'm really happy I have."

Kane has made an impressive start in Germany with four goals already for Bayern.

"I still don't feel I have fully settled into everything yet," he said.

"That will take a bit more time, but over the course of the season I will get to know more about the club and speak to the big names who have played here before.

"It has been a good start for me here. Whenever there is a big transfer, there is always a little bit more pressure and expectation going into the first few games to see how you start.

"I am really pleased to have scored the four goals so far. I think I can play better, and that will come with just getting to know my team-mates more, the system and the way we play. There is definitely room for improvement in my all-round game."

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