Harry Maguire repeatedly booed by fans during Man Utd’s pre-season clash against Crystal Palace in Melbourne

MANCHESTER UNITED skipper Harry Maguire was BOOED by fans whenever he touched the ball during the club's pre-season clash against Crystal Palace.

The 29-year-old, who was also booed by England supporters in March during the friendly against Ivory Coast, started for the Red Devils in Australia.

But he was subject to a chorus of loud boos from inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground whenever he was in possession of the ball during the 3-1 victory.

To make matters worse, the majority of fans watching from the stands were wearing United shirts.

Maguire even sent a ten-yard pass straight out of play as he struggled to deal with the early boos.

Social media was sent into meltdown over the scenes, with United fans condemning those that took part in heckling Maguire.

Commenting on the boos, one user tweeted: "Absolutely bizarre behaviour. This doesn't make sense anymore. Whats he done to deserve this?"

Another posted: "Maguire getting booed every touch is a disgrace. An absolute disgrace. What have we become."

A third added: "I don’t like Maguire being booed at all. Bizarre behaviour."

This supporter remarked: "Can’t believe Maguire is being booed by our 'fans'. He’s been good so far this game, have some shame and respect our captain."

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Meanwhile one stated: "This is genuinely embarrassing that Maguire is being booed every touch."

Another simply said: "Maguire being booed is embarrassing for the fanbase."

Despite a poor 2021-22 campaign and calls for him to be stripped of his captaincy, new boss Erik ten Hag has declared the ex-Leicester man will remain his skipper.

He told reporters: "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."

When pressed on whether he will be a starter next term following the arrival of Lisandro Martinez, Ten Hag confirmed Maguire is a major part of his plans.

He revealed: "I think he is. He’s proved it in the past but he has also to prove it in the present time and in the future.

"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."