Harry Maguire has accepted an apology from a Ghanian politician who referenced the defender in a speech to discredit a political rival last year, after he hailed the Manchester United defender’s transformation this season.

Isaac Adongo grabbed headlines last year for coining the phrase ‘economic Maguire’ in a speech to criticise policies of a rival.

The speech in his country’s national assembly included him saying Ghana’s vice-president Mahamudu Bawumia enjoyed scoring – political – own goals in much the same manner as the Manchester United defender.

‘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.’

Isaac Adongo apologised to the Manchester United defender, who he called a ‘transformational footballer’

Maguire graciously accepted the apology and vowed to see the politician at Old Trafford

‘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 currently navigating the corridors of the IMF 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.’

The Manchester United defender responded to a social media clip of Adongo’s latest comments.

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‘MP Issac Adongo apology accepted. See you at Old Trafford soon,’ Maguire posted on X, formerly Twitter.

The 30-year-old’s gracious acceptance of the apology came despite Adongo’s initial comments coming at a low moment in Maguire’s career.

Magurie had been frozen out of the Man United 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. 

Harry Maguire has managed to earn the trust of Erik ten Hag after looking set to leave the club last summer following a torrid campaign

Maguire remained a favourite of England boss Gareth Southgate throughout his struggles at club level

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.

Adongo’s latest comments have also been used to attack policies of his rival, with Ghana’s government debt having soared.

Ghana have been forced to take out a £2.4bn loan from the IMF, with the economic crisis having led to anti-Government protests in September.