Harry Maguire again captained Manchester United against Everton yesterday.
Despite the fact United could only get a 1-1 draw, Maguire once again underlined his leadership credentials.
On an afternoon where United faced an aerial bombardment and needed someone to take the initiative in attack, Maguire produced one of his best displays in a red shirt.
More headers won than any other player
As per WhoScored, Maguire won 12 aerial duels yesterday, more than twice as many as the next best, Luke Shaw on 5.
Duncan Ferguson caused United problems down the years during his playing career with a direct, aggressive style.
He brought that approach to Old Trafford yesterday, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin particularly dangerous but Maguire stood up to the aerial bombardment expertly.
It was a day on which United’s backline had to stand up and be counted and captain Maguire did exactly that.
Leading the fightback from the back
Maguire was also brought to the club for his ability to bring the ball out from the back and he did that more and more as United came back into the game.
United struggled badly for creativity in midfield – not for the first time against a side who sat back – and Maguire helped bypass that with surging runs from defence.
Many United players lost confidence and drive when the opening of the game proved difficult and dipped again when Everton went 1-0 up.
But Maguire doubled down on his efforts to get the game won, putting in a captain’s performance in the process.
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