5 clearances, 80% duel success vs Wolves: Amorim calls £12m Man Utd ace an 'example' for the whole squad
Manchester United are set to welcome Newcastle United for a thrilling showdown in the final Premier League fixture of 2024.
The Red Devils are in a perilous run of form, having suffered three consecutive defeats and been eliminated from the Carabao Cup.
However, one bright spot for them is the return of Harry Maguire.
The England international looks to be at home as the central centre-back in the back-three system.
Manager Ruben Amorim spoke glowingly about Maguire in the pre-match press conference.
He said (via Manutd.com): “He works really well, he is focused on the job and not what people say. He has no excuses, even if he had some tough moments.
“I think in that department he is an example. He is there to play, to help the team and he’s trying to do that.”
Question marks remain over Maguire’s future
The £12 million-rated ace has started the last three league games in the absence of Matthijs de Ligt.
The Dutchman has been sidelined due to illness.
Amorim has been impressed with Maguire’s display and allowed him to play all 90 minutes in the last three league games.
The former Leicester City defender has been targetted by a section of United supporters for large part of his Old Trafford career.
His inconsistent performances ultimately led Erik ten Hag to strip him of the captaincy.
Despite the criticism, Maguire has maintained his composure, focusing on making a strong comeback to the team.
While he still has occasional lapses, his contributions have been increasingly positive over the last 12 months.
He was very few of the United players who did not put a foot wrong in the 2-0 loss to Wolves.
He made five crucial clearances and won four of his five duels.
Maguire is in the final year of his deal with United but the club have the option to trigger an extra year to 2026.
There is uncertainty around his future as he is allowed to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January 1.
Stats from transfermarkt.com & sofascore.com
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .