He was our nightmare last night,If not for Him we could have finished them from the first Half”, Fulham coach reveals the One Man United player that gave Him tough time yesterday – Not Rashford,Not Garnacho and Not Zirkzee
Manchester United began their season with an exhilarating win against Fulham, setting a positive tone for the campaign. The match, held at Old Trafford, was a tense affair that kept spectators captivated until the very end. The game’s turning point came in the 87th minute when Joshua Zirkzee scored the decisive goal, igniting a wave of excitement throughout the stadium and securing Manchester United’s victorious start.
Zirkzee, along with newcomer Noussair Mazraoui, made an immediate impact, with their performances quickly becoming the subject of much discussion. Zirkzee’s late goal and Mazraoui’s solid play highlighted the potential these new players bring to the squad. However, amidst the praise for the fresh talents, Harry Maguire quietly played a crucial role in the team’s success that day.
Maguire’s tenure at Manchester United has been challenging since he joined five years ago, facing obstacles such as losing the captaincy last year. Despite these difficulties, Maguire has remained a committed and vital part of the team. His future at the club, however, is uncertain. The departure of Aaron Wan-Bissaka has fueled speculation about Maguire’s position in the squad, especially with the anticipated return of Leny Yoro from injury, which could further complicate his status as a starting center-back.
In the match against Fulham, Maguire’s contribution was vital, particularly with new signing Matthijs de Ligt still adjusting to the team. Maguire showcased his defensive skills by expertly handling a two-on-one situation in the second half, intercepting a dangerous pass from Andreas Pereira. His defensive acumen was further demonstrated when he shielded the ball within the six-yard box, preventing a potential goal for Fulham.
Maguire’s influence was evident not only in key defensive plays but also in his match statistics. He recorded 69 touches, made one critical block, two interceptions, and five clearances, and won four out of five aerial duels. Despite a knock during the match, which led to his precautionary substitution, manager Erik ten Hag assured that there were no serious concerns regarding Maguire’s injury.
As the season progresses, competition for starting positions is likely to increase, especially with the return of Yoro and the presence of new signings like Mazraoui and De Ligt. Nevertheless, Maguire’s resilience and dedication to the club are his defining qualities. While the focus may be on the new arrivals, Maguire’s contributions should not be overlooked. His experience, leadership, and defensive abilities remain key assets for Manchester United as the season unfolds.
