Pro golfer Rory McIlroy has jumped to the defence of Manchester United centre-half Harry Maguire.

McIlroy is a big United fan and close to many current and former players.

McIlroy said: "I'm sure Harry wakes up every morning, goes to work, and tries his best, just like we all do.

"When your life and career are laid bare like that and everyone sees everything...you could make 20 great passes in a game and the one pass that didn't go quite right is the one that everyone's going to concentrate on.

"It's a tough world that we live in, but unfortunately it's part of our job and being in that public spotlight. We get well rewarded for being in that public spotlight. That's the way it is.

"I do things that shield me from that, and it certainly protects my mental health. I think more and more sportspeople are getting to the point where they're doing the same thing."