Manchester City defender John Stones has rejected criticism of Manchester United captain Harry Maguire.

Stones believes England teammate Harry Maguire has been harshly criticised at United.

"I think some of the criticism that I've seen personally and over this season has been harsh," Stones said.

"I don't want to get into that but I think how he's conducted himself on and off the pitch, he should be extremely proud of that and, all I can say is, I enjoy playing with Harry and I hope that we can do for many more years to come.

"I used to play against Harry as a kid and I knew his quality then. I think he was the age group older than me but I got the opportunity to play against him and it took quite a few years to be able to play with him here.

"I think we hit off straight away, he is an incredible person off the pitch, first and foremost, and an incredible partner and player to play with on the pitch.

"So I hope we can keep playing together and building this partnership, whoever it may be, in a back three or back four."