Ghanaian politician APOLOGISES to Maguire for using him to mock political rival

The politician who referenced Harry Maguire in a speech discrediting his political rival’s economic policies has apologised to the defender in another comedic speech in the Ghanaian parliament.

Last year Isaac Adongo grabbed headlines for his comments to country’s national assembly, which included him saying Ghana’s vice-president Mahamudu Bawumia enjoyed scoring – political – own goals in much the same manner as the Manchester United defender.

The extraordinary attack came after a torrid season for the former skipper, who had been frozen out of the team following a difficult start to the campaign under Erik ten Hag.

But 12 months on, Maguire has forced his way back into the side, producing decent performances and asserting himself as one of the few players the Dutch manager will trust in defence.

This turnaround promoted Adongo to invoke the 30-year-old’s name once more, this time as a positive tale of revival.

‘If you remember last year I was very quick to compare [vice-president] Mahamudu Bawumia to Harry Maguire,’ he said. ‘Mr Speaker I now apologise Harry Maguire.’

‘Mr Chairman, you got very angry when I used your defender as an example. Today Maguire has turned the corner, he’s a transformational footballer. Harry Maguire is now scoring goals for Manchester United.

‘Mr Speaker Harry Maguire is now a key player for Manchester United, as for our Maguire, he is now roaming at the high heavens with a cup in hand.

‘As for our Maguire, the economic Maguire, he was able to get pensioners to leave their homes and come and parade in the streets.’

Adongo’s apology to the defender is as clear an indication as any of his change in fortunes.

Maguire has started United’s last eight games in all competitions after he looked set to leave last summer following a poor first season under Ten Hag. The Red Devils had a £30m fee agreed with West Ham for the former Leicester City star but the transfer broke down as he was determined to fight for his place at Old Trafford.

Despite his troubles at club level, Maguire has remained a favourite of England boss Gareth Southgate and has missed just one game for the Three Lions in the last year.