Whenever Chris Smalling or Phil Jones stepped out of Manchester United’s defence, fans would be forgiven for shifting uneasily in their seats.
There’s no such sense of discomfort when the new club captain Harry Maguire dribbles out from his centre-back position. The 26-year-old is showing good leadership in more ways than one for the club.
There was a kind smile from Maguire as he came out of the Old Trafford tunnel to greet 11 fans who have been supported by the Age UK charity. He led out United’s team against Watford and every member of the side shook hands with these elderly fans who have suffered from loneliness. It was a lovely gesture and Maguire handled it perfectly.
Maguire’s on-the-ball quality is leading United forward
But the impact on the pitch is not just to do with him as a person, it’s his style of play. Maguire dribbles out of defence when United are under pressure. It’s been shown throughout the season in games big and small.
On Sunday afternoon, United had been caused problems, particularly by Watford’s Doucoure.
At one point, Maguire received the ball on the edge of his area, pushed it out of his feet and moved up towards the edge of the centre circle. In just a couple of seconds, and movements, he’d opened the pitch up and taken United from defence to attack.
It’s a vital attribute and essential addition to this United side. They have an outlet from deep areas.
When United are in trouble, Maguire responds. When the Reds dominating, these kind of runs are less frequent. It’s Maguire’s message to his teammates that more is needed and they’ve got to push forward.
At the Etihad in January, Maguire made the second-most dribbles, behind full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. In the 6-0 win against Tranmere Rovers, United were under the cosh in the opening stages. Maguire fulfilled the same role and, again, made the second-most dribbles, this time behind Mason Greenwood. At Chelsea in the recent 2-0 win, it was the same statistic. (all statistics via WhoScored.com)
Even if Opta, WhoScored or any other statistic provider doesn’t count his dribbles, you can see it with your own eyes. Maguire is not just shouting at his teammates, and that’s something he doesn’t do too often. He’s showing them how to play and dragging the side forward.
Off the pitch, captain Maguire is exemplary
And when it does come down to words, Maguire is fulfilling his responsibilities well. His post-match interview after United went out of the EFL Cup at the semi-final stage was impressive. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side had beaten Man City at the Etihad but not gone through. Maguire was blunt, cliché-free and honest. It’s what fans wanted.
Furthermore, Maguire has been consulted on how to improve the Old Trafford atmosphere. The Red Army section of the Stretford End had requested that the pre-match music be turned off to allow the atmosphere to build.
United asked Maguire on his thoughts and he agreed to the plan. He’s taken a keen role in all things related to United and, on and off the pitch, is proving to be a good choice.
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