One Manchester United player has been named in Garth Crooks’ team of the week for BBC Sport.
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United are currently on the best run of their season after three straight Premier League wins including two away from home against Aston Villa and Wolves.
Their most recent victory, the dramatic 2-1 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park thanks to a late Scott McTominay header, may well be the most important of this current campaign.
United remain six points behind Tottenham Hotspur in fourth but are firmly in the race for that final Champions League spot.
Crooks’ team of the week pick
Well, one player who was in imperious form during the game in Birmingham was the returning presence of Harry Maguire, who is going through something of a renaissance.
After it was looking bleak for the defender in the summer, Maguire has proven that he can be a more than reliable back up option in the heart of the back four for Erik ten Hag’s side.
“Whatever you may think about Maguire’s football ability, he doesn’t shirk his responsibilities or duck a challenge. His time at Old Trafford recently has been chequered to say the least,” Crooks wrote on the BBC website.
“He has struggled to hold down a regular first-team place, has been the subject of transfer speculation, and to some extent regarded as surplus to requirements, but none of that has fazed him.
“When he’s been selected to play, and it’s normally when Manchester United have been struggling or facing an injury crisis, he has stepped up to the mark.
“His performance in the 2-1 win against Aston Villa was unwavering. It was his assist that created United’s first goal for Rasmus Hojlund to score from close range while he won every header in his vicinity. You can’t argue with that.”
Maguire’s return to form
The English defender has been superb for the Red Devils this campaign and he could well be key for the next month or two with Lisandro Martinez’s absence from the first team due to injury.
Since having the captaincy stripped from him, Maguire has proven to be a brilliant option in defence and despite uncertainty around his future, the Englishman has looked assured.
This summer will be an interesting one with regards to his future at the club but nevertheless, Maguire is now firmly back to his best.
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