Wayne Rooney has labelled the supporters who booed Harry Maguire "not real England fans" in a staunch defence of the under-fire Manchester United captain.
Rooney, himself a former Red Devils skipper and established international, has backed Maguire to bounce back from the hostile reception he received at Wembley before Tuesday's 3-0 victory over Ivory Coast. Speaking to The Sun, the Derby County boss declared: "I've been there. It's never nice when you're booed by your own fans.
"Harry's a top lad and a top professional. I know Harry personally. I spoke to him not long ago and he's a strong character, he's strong-minded. I've spoken to him a few times as a friend and we've had a general chat, but I'm not his mentor. I'm sure the people who were booing him are not real England fans. Because as a fan, you go there to get behind the team. I don't think any England fans are concerned about his form for United as long as he's doing well for England."
