10 key moments from Maguire's first year

Wednesday 05 August 2020 12:52

Harry Maguire has officially been a Manchester United player for one year, after completing his transfer from Leicester City on 5 August 2019.

The experienced centre-back has achieved so much throughout his first 12 months at Old Trafford and tackled everything that an unpredictable season has brought his way. Let's reflect on 10 key moments...

#1: JOINING MANCHESTER UNITED
Harry completed his much-discussed transfer from the Foxes on this day in 2019, signing a six-year contract with the option for a further year. After inheriting the vacant no.5 shirt, he told us: “When Manchester United come knocking on your door, it is an incredible opportunity. From my conversations with the manager, I am excited about the vision and plans he has for the team.”

#2: MAKING HIS DEBUT
As far as first matches go, a 4-0 win over Chelsea in the warm sunshine at a packed Old Trafford is virtually perfect and the fans were impressed by Maguire’s performance, after he finished third in the voting for our Man-of-the-Match award (behind Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Marcus Rashford). “Harry has come into the squad and lifted everybody,” said a delighted Solskjaer at full-time.
Behind the scenes of Maguire's arrival Video

Behind the scenes of Maguire's arrival

Ever wondered what it's like to join United? Take a behind-the-scenes look at Harry's big day...

#3: WEARING THE ARMBAND
Ashley Young was, of course, our club captain for the first half of the season, yet the armband was passed around a little. Maguire’s obvious leadership skills made him an outstanding candidate early on and, in no time at all, he skippered us for the first time on 24 October, overseeing a 1-0 win over Partizan Belgrade in Serbia.

#4: CLUB CAPTAIN
Young’s transfer to Inter Milan in January left Solskjaer with a big decision to make and, while there were several worthy contenders, the manager felt Maguire was the right choice. “He's come in and everything about him tells me he is a leader,” explained Ole during a press conference on 17 January. “He's part of a group that we've had, that have been leading this young group.”
#5: OPENING HIS ACCOUNT
In just his third match as official club captain, Maguire scored his first goal for the club during a 6-0 Emirates FA Cup fourth-round win over Tranmere Rovers. It was a corker, too, struck from the edge of the penalty area with enough venom to make Anthony Martial jealous! “It’s been a long time coming,” said Harry afterwards. “It’s great to put one in, help the team and get into the next round.”

#6: AN IMPORTANT GOAL
Rising high inside the penalty area, Maguire met a perfect Bruno Fernandes corner to score in a 2-0 success over Chelsea and celebrated wildly with the fans in the Stamford Bridge away end. It was a huge moment and an invaluable league victory that proved crucial by the end of the season. “I knew it was a matter of time before I scored a header,” said Harry.
Fan Cam: Maguire's winner against Chelsea Video

Fan Cam: Maguire's winner against Chelsea

The away end was electric after Harry Maguire's goal at Stamford Bridge in February 2020, as captured by @DavidAlorka...

#7: #PLAYERSTOGETHER
During the early stages of the Coronavirus lockdown, Maguire played an instrumental role in Premier League players coming together to help those working on the NHS frontline by distributing funds to where they were needed most. He was also pivotal in the club’s own response to the pandemic, saying on 9 April: "By working together, we will get through this and let’s hope we are stronger for it.”

#8: SENDING US TO WEMBLEY
Maguire scored his third goal of the season at a vital time, slotting in during the 118th minute of our FA Cup quarter-final win over Norwich City at Carrow Road to book our place in the semis. “Harry has been magnificent since he came to the club,” said Ole. “His leadership skills are there to be seen, he won every header, made every challenge and scored an important goal.”
Why Maguire was Man of the Match Video

Why Maguire was Man of the Match

🎥🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 See how Maguire led by example with last-ditch blocks, towering headers and an extra-time winner...

#9: 50 UNITED APPEARANCES
Harry led United out at Wembley Stadium on 13 July for our FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea, which also happened to be his 50th appearance for the club. The result was obviously a huge disappointment for those of a Red persuasion, yet those personal milestones remain significant in Maguire’s debut season. 

#10: A COMPLETE PREMIER LEAGUE CAMPAIGN
Maguire finished the top-flight term by helping United record a 2-0 win over his former club Leicester, thus securing third place and qualification to next season’s Champions League. The defender also became the first outfield Red since Gary Pallister to play every single second of a Premier League season, which highlighted his consistency and dependability throughout 2019/20.

Here's to the next 12 months and beyond, Harry!

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