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 on a high note with a thrilling win over Fulham, secured by a last-minute goal from Joshua Zirkzee in the 87th minute. The excitement at Old Trafford was palpable as Zirkzee’s late strike clinched victory, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Zirkzee, along with fellow newcomer Noussair Mazraoui, made an immediate impact, drawing attention for their standout performances. However, amidst the praise for these fresh faces, there was another player who quietly played a crucial role in securing the win—Harry Maguire.
Maguire, who has faced a challenging journey since his arrival at Manchester United five years ago, played a significant part in the team’s success. Despite losing the captaincy last year, Maguire has remained a dedicated and vital member of the squad. His future at the club has been uncertain, especially with the recent departure of his former teammate, Aaron Wan-Bissaka. It’s no secret that if a substantial offer were to come in for Maguire, the club might consider it. Furthermore, with Leny Yoro expected to return from injury soon, Maguire’s position as a starting center-back could be in jeopardy, potentially relegating him to fourth choice.
For now, though, Maguire continues to play an important role, particularly as Matthijs de Ligt, another new signing, adjusts to the team. Against Fulham, Maguire was a commanding presence in defense, demonstrating his determination and resilience. He played a pivotal role in thwarting Fulham’s attacks, notably during a crucial moment in the second half when he was left in a two-versus-one situation. Maguire’s quick thinking and defensive acumen allowed him to intercept a dangerous pass from his former teammate, Andreas Pereira, effectively neutralizing the threat.
Another key moment came when Maguire, positioned inside the six-yard box, shielded the ball to prevent a clear goal-scoring opportunity. He appeared to take a knock during the play, leading to his substitution shortly afterward. Despite this, Maguire’s contributions were invaluable, as he had already done his part to secure the victory.
Throughout the match, Maguire was heavily involved, registering 69 touches, making one block, two interceptions, and five clearances. He also won four out of five aerial duels, showcasing his aerial prowess. Having been with the club for half a decade, Maguire’s time at United might be nearing its end, but his commitment to the team remains unwavering. On a night where the spotlight was on the new signings, Maguire’s efforts should not go unnoticed.
Following the match, Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting the fact that there were no new injuries to report. When specifically asked about Maguire’s condition, Ten Hag reassured fans that Maguire had felt a minor knock and was substituted as a precautionary measure to avoid any serious injury. While United currently has some injuries in defense, the recent additions of Mazraoui and De Ligt have provided much-needed depth, fostering healthy competition within the squad.
It is clear that Harry Maguire is determined to fight for his place in the team, and this added competition could prove beneficial for Manchester United as they continue their campaign.
