Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has revealed how he and childhood pal John Stones supported each other through their darkest days last year.
The Yorkshire-born centre-back duo might be big rivals for their Manchester clubs – but their friendship united them when they needed it most.
“We always speak away from football. He's a good friend, I grew up near him and played against him when he was at Barnsley and I was at Sheffield United," says Maguire.
“We spoke to each other through times where it was tough. We always talk whether it's tough or going well.
“I'm close with John – but I want him to play as well as he can without winning football matches if that's possible!
“When it's tough it's all about the way you fight back. I've felt like I've done that this year, which I'm really pleased with and I'm pleased to see John is back playing really well with confidence too.
“You're not going to go throughout your career as a defender without being at fault for goals. You get scrutinised when you play in the Premier League so you expect that.
“And when you're playing for Manchester United you're under more scrutiny so you have to believe in yourself and keep working hard on the training pitch. That's what builds the confidence back."
