Even before Harry Maguire’s opinion-splitting celebration, there was a groan from United supporters after seeing him open the scoring for England against Albania.
Why does it seem that Maguire scores so regularly for England and rarely does for Manchester United?
This is not just an anecdotal observation either. It is one measured out by statistics.
- For England, Harry Maguire has now scored six goals in just 40 matches.
- Compare this to his record for Manchester United, where Maguire has six goals in 120 games.
It actually seems like a surprise Maguire has as many as six United goals for United.
The most recent of these goals came in United’s comeback win at Old Trafford in the 3-2 comeback win over Atalanta.
This is Maguire’s third season at United and his time at the club in front of goal has been more remembered for the goals he has not scored, than the ones he has.
For such a defender with good aerial qualities, Maguire struggles to be effective in the opposition penalty box – for United at least.
This season Maguire has landed just two of nine attempts on target in a United shirt, 22.9 per cent.
Last season he managed only nine shots on target from 36 attempts, just 25 per cent, per FBRef.com.
Early in the Manchester derby he missed a header, putting it over the bar, and this would have turned the game. City scored moments later.
This is a factor Maguire needs to improve, as it is a good way to get fans onside and help his team by contributing to the team’s effectiveness in front of goal more regularly.
The Red Devils captain needs to work on his defending too, first and foremost, as we have witnessed in recent weeks.
It is good to see him scoring for England, just as he did at Euro 2020 and at World Cup 2018. A few more goals for United would not go amiss.
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