TeamViewer Trending: Maguire's Resurgence
Perhaps Harry Maguire winced last Sunday night, as clips of his agonising last-minute miss at Anfield went around the world. But he shouldn't have.
Momentarily, United fans saw a famous 3-2 win flash before their retinas, and then quickly disappear. But when the final whistle sounded soon after, they were left humming with pride at the spirit shown by every Red that took to the pitch.
And Harry Maguire crashing into tackle after tackle, with an inspirational mezze of heart, soul, muscle and bone, would have been foremost in their minds.
Maguire's opportunity to join Arthur Albiston, Gary Pallister, Diego Forlan and John O'Shea in the pantheon of unlikely Scousebusters might have passed by, but last weekend's game at Anfield was further evidence towards what all right-minded Reds already know: that Maguire is a character you can hang your hopes on, no matter how dim the circumstances might seem.
He's never shirked a shift or a battle; never turned away from duty. But since Ruben Amorim's arrival, and the advent of that 3-4-2-1 system, United's no.5 has seemingly gained a new lease of life, and cuts a happier, more confident figure.
His reputation is now arguably higher than at any point since the summer of 2021, when his absence from our Europa League final against Villarreal in Gdansk was widely considered a key factor in our failure to lift the trophy.
And Harry Maguire crashing into tackle after tackle, with an inspirational mezze of heart, soul, muscle and bone, would have been foremost in their minds.
Maguire's opportunity to join Arthur Albiston, Gary Pallister, Diego Forlan and John O'Shea in the pantheon of unlikely Scousebusters might have passed by, but last weekend's game at Anfield was further evidence towards what all right-minded Reds already know: that Maguire is a character you can hang your hopes on, no matter how dim the circumstances might seem.
He's never shirked a shift or a battle; never turned away from duty. But since Ruben Amorim's arrival, and the advent of that 3-4-2-1 system, United's no.5 has seemingly gained a new lease of life, and cuts a happier, more confident figure.
His reputation is now arguably higher than at any point since the summer of 2021, when his absence from our Europa League final against Villarreal in Gdansk was widely considered a key factor in our failure to lift the trophy.
Best tackles and blocks v Liverpool Video
Best tackles and blocks v Liverpool
FIGHTING SPIRIT | Watch the best defensive actions at Liverpool, starring De Ligt, Maguire, Yoro and more…
STANDOUT MOMENT
Maguire’s only goal of 2024/25 so far came in the final minutes of a wild 3-3 draw with Porto back in October. In classic Harry style, just when all seemed lost, he fearlessly shrugged off all opponents and applied his noggin to Christian Eriksen’s outswinging corner, producing a 91st-minute equaliser that remains a vital moment in our ongoing bid for Europa League qualification. But Maguire is principally here to stop goals, rather than score them – despite his threat from set-pieces, in particular – and that’s what he does best.
An excellent finish from Cody Gakpo aside, Liverpool produced little of note last Sunday – with their xG boosted by a highly fortuitous penalty, converted by Mohamed Salah. Instead, the game was more memorable for the blocks and clearances supplied by Maguire and his defensive colleagues Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez. We can’t forget Leny Yoro’s top-speed challenge on Darwin Nunez either, which was arguably the choicest cut of the lot.
However, I’d argue that Harry’s best performance in recent weeks came at the Etihad Stadium, where he, De Ligt and Martinez silenced Erling Haaland in a way that few teams have over the last 2-3 years. In the early stages, Maguire was straight into Norwegian giant, letting him know he was in for an uncomfortable afternoon. The pushing and the shoving continued throughout, the messaging clear: you won’t be bullying us, pal. When Kyle Walker tried to get silly with Rasmus Hojlund in the second half, who was straight in to back him up? Maguire.
And we’ve not even mentioned what he did on the ball: five interceptions and 90 minutes of calm, authoritative passing. After the match, Amorim declared the defender as “perfect” for the central position in his three-at-the-back set-up.
Maguire’s only goal of 2024/25 so far came in the final minutes of a wild 3-3 draw with Porto back in October. In classic Harry style, just when all seemed lost, he fearlessly shrugged off all opponents and applied his noggin to Christian Eriksen’s outswinging corner, producing a 91st-minute equaliser that remains a vital moment in our ongoing bid for Europa League qualification. But Maguire is principally here to stop goals, rather than score them – despite his threat from set-pieces, in particular – and that’s what he does best.
An excellent finish from Cody Gakpo aside, Liverpool produced little of note last Sunday – with their xG boosted by a highly fortuitous penalty, converted by Mohamed Salah. Instead, the game was more memorable for the blocks and clearances supplied by Maguire and his defensive colleagues Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez. We can’t forget Leny Yoro’s top-speed challenge on Darwin Nunez either, which was arguably the choicest cut of the lot.
However, I’d argue that Harry’s best performance in recent weeks came at the Etihad Stadium, where he, De Ligt and Martinez silenced Erling Haaland in a way that few teams have over the last 2-3 years. In the early stages, Maguire was straight into Norwegian giant, letting him know he was in for an uncomfortable afternoon. The pushing and the shoving continued throughout, the messaging clear: you won’t be bullying us, pal. When Kyle Walker tried to get silly with Rasmus Hojlund in the second half, who was straight in to back him up? Maguire.
And we’ve not even mentioned what he did on the ball: five interceptions and 90 minutes of calm, authoritative passing. After the match, Amorim declared the defender as “perfect” for the central position in his three-at-the-back set-up.
PERFORMANCE INSIGHT
It’s been a difficult few years for Maguire, really. In 2023 he ceded the captaincy to Bruno Fernandes, after a season in which he recorded fewer appearances than fellow centre-backs Martinez, Varane and Lindelof. He featured more in Erik ten Hag’s final full season at the club, but to what extent was that due to the long, enforced periods of absence for Martinez and Varane? Then, in the summer, United acquired two new central defenders: De Ligt and Yoro.
But Maguire’s professionalism and sense of responsibility to his team-mates, the club and its fans has never wavered. When called upon, he has always competed as hard as ever. And Amorim’s arrival – plus a one-year extension to his contract – point to a brighter future, building up to the 2026 World Cup, where Harry will strive to push his beloved England to that much-coveted major trophy.
“He's always wanted to fight and get his place back for Manchester United, after every single one jumping over him [in the pecking order],” reflected BBC pundit Michael Brown on the The Football News Show. “Then he's left out. I think he's been really, really good with how he's handled the situation... I think he is a leader, and they need him to play as much as possible.”
It’s been a difficult few years for Maguire, really. In 2023 he ceded the captaincy to Bruno Fernandes, after a season in which he recorded fewer appearances than fellow centre-backs Martinez, Varane and Lindelof. He featured more in Erik ten Hag’s final full season at the club, but to what extent was that due to the long, enforced periods of absence for Martinez and Varane? Then, in the summer, United acquired two new central defenders: De Ligt and Yoro.
But Maguire’s professionalism and sense of responsibility to his team-mates, the club and its fans has never wavered. When called upon, he has always competed as hard as ever. And Amorim’s arrival – plus a one-year extension to his contract – point to a brighter future, building up to the 2026 World Cup, where Harry will strive to push his beloved England to that much-coveted major trophy.
“He's always wanted to fight and get his place back for Manchester United, after every single one jumping over him [in the pecking order],” reflected BBC pundit Michael Brown on the The Football News Show. “Then he's left out. I think he's been really, really good with how he's handled the situation... I think he is a leader, and they need him to play as much as possible.”
Maguire contract news confirmed
ArticleRuben Amorim provided an update on Harry's future during his latest press conference.
HARRY SAID
“I was injured when he [Amorim] first joined, so they’re looking after my minutes,” Maguire explained after the derby win at City, before revealing his positivity about the new head coach’s style and preferred starting formation.
“I’ve played in it numerous times in my career – generally on the left but obviously playing in the middle at the moment. It feels good; we feel solid, but there’s still much more improvement we need to do.”
RUBEN SAID
“He coped very well with his struggles,” praised Amorim. “There are moments in the career of a player that are different. And when you look at our team, we are starving for leaders on the pitch. He is a leader… So we are happy to continue with Harry.”
“I was injured when he [Amorim] first joined, so they’re looking after my minutes,” Maguire explained after the derby win at City, before revealing his positivity about the new head coach’s style and preferred starting formation.
“I’ve played in it numerous times in my career – generally on the left but obviously playing in the middle at the moment. It feels good; we feel solid, but there’s still much more improvement we need to do.”
RUBEN SAID
“He coped very well with his struggles,” praised Amorim. “There are moments in the career of a player that are different. And when you look at our team, we are starving for leaders on the pitch. He is a leader… So we are happy to continue with Harry.”
Jonny and Harry meet the Rainbow Devils Video
Jonny and Harry meet the Rainbow Devils
FANS’ Q&A | Our pioneering Rainbow Devils put their burning questions to defensive duo Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire…
DID YOU KNOW?
In 2021, Maguire came within minutes of surpassing Gary Pallister's club record for playing the most Premier League games (71) without being substituted, only to pick up an injury in match no.72, at Aston Villa.
In 2021, Maguire came within minutes of surpassing Gary Pallister's club record for playing the most Premier League games (71) without being substituted, only to pick up an injury in match no.72, at Aston Villa.
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