Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has revealed that he sent a private message to his embattled teammate Joshua Zirkzee after the young striker was subjected to a torrid time on the pitch during the Red Devils' 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle last month.
Zirkzee was jeered off the pitch by a section of the Old Trafford faithful after struggling to make an impact in the game, and Maguire has now disclosed that he reached out to the youngster to offer his support and guidance.
The show of solidarity from Maguire has drawn comparisons with the way in which former United legends Wayne Rooney and David Beckham used to rally around their teammates during difficult times.
Maguire's leadership qualities have been praised by United fans and pundits alike, and his decision to contact Zirkzee is seen as a testament to his commitment to the team and his teammates.
In an interview, Maguire explained that he knew how tough it could be to deal with criticism and adversity, and he wanted to make sure that Zirkzee knew that he had his backing.
Zirkzee, who is still finding his feet in the Premier League, has been working hard to regain his confidence and form, and Maguire's message of support is likely to have given him a significant boost.
The United captain's actions have also sparked a wider debate about the importance of teamwork and camaraderie in football, with many arguing that a strong team spirit is essential for success on the pitch.
As United look to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to Newcastle, Maguire's message to Zirkzee is a reminder that even in difficult times, the team is united and committed to supporting each other.
With the Red Devils set to face a number of tough challenges in the coming weeks, Maguire's leadership and the team's collective spirit will be put to the test, but for now, the United captain's gesture has been hailed as a classy move by a true leader.