Harry Maguire launches stunning defence of Victor Lindelof

Harry Maguire has leapt to the defence of centre back partner Victor Lindelof, claiming that West Brom's goal in their 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday should have been ruled out for a foul.

Mbaye Diagne opened the scoring for the Baggies inside two minutes, muscling in front of Lindelof to head home Conor Gallagher's searching cross. Bruno Fernandes then netted a stunning volley just before the break to rescue a point for United.

However, speaking after the game, Maguire said that West Brom's goal should not have counted.

"It’s a big frustration," Maguire told the club's website. "We know the first goal is crucial when you come to this place. But it’s a foul. I’m fed up of hearing ‘Vic can do better’. Of course he can do better, and I know he can.

"But I’m fed up of hearing ‘people can do better’. ‘David can do better on the cross’. It’s a foul. It’s a foul from Billy Sharp on David [in the recent Sheffield United game]. If you get someone in the back, and if the big striker’s wrestling Vic and then puts his arms all over him, heads it in the back of the net, of course he can do better, but it’s a foul."

Maguire went on to claim that a goal he had had disallowed in United's win over Burnley last month was very similar to the one scored by Diagne on Sunday.

He added: "I had one disallowed at Burnley two or three weeks ago, and the difference is massive. You can’t tell me that I did more than the striker’s done there!

"So the inconsistency is something that we need to look at. But for sure, it’s a foul, and I’m not making up excuses, because Vic’s disappointed in there and he was disappointed at half time. But he’s reacted really well in the game. I’m sure he’ll feel it was a mistake, but like I say, I’m fed up of hearing about mistakes from defenders and goalkeepers when it’s a blatant foul."

Maguire also claimed that the Hawthorns was a tough place to go, stating: "We know that we're not going to come here and create nine, ten chances – that doesn't happen."

On a completely unrelated note, the Baggies have conceded an average of just under 16 shots per game this season, with Crystal Palace, Leeds and Manchester City all scoring five in away games against West Brom since December.