Harry Maguire

Maguire's high praise for new team-mate

Wednesday 01 September 2021 15:16

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as the best player in the history of the sport.

The Reds club captain was speaking for the first time since the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was officially unveiled after his headline-grabbing transfer from Juventus.

Maguire, currently part of Gareth Southgate’s England setup as they prepare for a World Cup qualifier against Hungary in Budapest, highlighted Ronaldo’s incredible track record in front of goal.

He also spoke about how the club’s contingent of young players could thrive off being around the 36-year-old, whose constant quest for self-improvement is legendary.

“Yeah, of course it’s amazing,” Maguire told reporters while on international duty.

“Obviously I’m away with England at the moment so my focus is on the game tomorrow but for him to sign back for the club… for me, [he’s] the greatest player to have played the game.

“It’s amazing to have him at the club and I’m sure he’s going to have a huge impact on and off the field and many players can look and learn and improve.

“Obviously he’s going to improve our team as well with his goalscoring record.

“No, it’s amazing to have him at the club and I’m looking forward to meeting him in a few days.”

Four of Maguire’s Reds team-mates have also given their opinion on our new arrival and all are excited by the prospect of playing alongside him.

Raphael Varane has already done so, while at Real Madrid, and the Frenchman said Ronaldo would be 'a great help for all players, for all young players’ in the United team.

Luke Shaw believes Cristiano gives the club ‘a massive lift’, while Paul Pogba said he would help bring the levels up with his quality and experience.

Finally, David De Gea got across what most associated with the club have probably been feeling since the transfer was first announced on Friday.

“It’s like a dream for all the Manchester United fans, for us,” the Spaniard enthused.

“To have him back it is going to be great, you can feel [it] in the atmosphere.”

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