Harry Maguire was correctly criticised after being caught out in Manchester United’s opening game against Tottenham.
He was too easily beaten by Steven Bergwijn, who went onto unleash a powerful shot which prompted David de Gea into an error of his own.
Against Sheffield United last night, Maguire was so effective at the back that De Gea barely had a single save to make, a weak speculative effort from distance.
To put Maguire’s error against Spurs in context, it was a minor blip on a game where he helped shut down Harry Kane, and apart from the mistake, he played well and looked composed.
It was uncharacteristic too amid a strong run before the break. Put it down to the sloppiness of a return after a few months out.
Last night he was totally dominant along with Victor Lindelof, and shut down any attacks the Blades tried to put together.
Sheffield United were poor, as the Red Devils dominated possession. By the same token, Maguire was calm on the ball and strong in the air, and looked comfortable.
The £80 million man almost got on the scoresheet too, as he connected with Bruno Fernandes’ first half corner to net, before it was ruled out by VAR for a slight push.
By the numbers
- Maguire won six aerial duels, more than any player on the pitch.
- He touched the ball 103 times. Sheffield United’s highest player was on 56.
- Maguire made three interceptions, more than any United player
- He blocked one shot, and won one free-kick
There were a few over reactions regarding Maguire’s error on Friday, a poor moment in an otherwise good game.
While cautious not to go too far the other way, Maguire has been largely impressive in recent months, which has seen United concede just two Premier League goals in seven games.
This was a reminder of his quality, and United are a better side for having him in the team, and a sign that he is over his minor blip already.
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