As redemption arcs go, this is a comeback even the most saccharine Hollywood script would struggle to get away with. From rock bottom to back again, Manchester United’s 4-2 win over Sheffield United – on the same night that Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League title hopes suffered a fatal blow – proved that Old Trafford is home to our very own ‘mentality monster’.
In the build-up to Wednesday’s clash, Blades boss Chris Wilder could hardly have been more glowing in his praise for a man who actually started his career in the red-and-white stripes.
And, fittingly for a man born in the so-called Steel City, Harry Maguire appears to be a man with a mindset carved out of the strongest of metals. The oft-maligned and frequently-ridiculed Manchester United centre-back – arguably the club’s most consistent defensive performer all season long – was once again a colossus at both ends of the pitch.
He scored, for the second game in a row and for the fourth time in 2023/24, while embracing the role as United’s line-breaker from deep, drilling a series of passes into midfield as he did his very best to do those Lisandro Martinez duties in possession.
Harry Maguire scores again for Manchester United
For Conor Coady, who played alongside Maguire briefly at Sheffield United a decade ago, it comes as no surprise to see the 31-year-old bounce back, from perhaps the most mocked man in Britain to the glue which holds an often brittle Red Devils backline together.
“I’ll be honest, from knowing Harry Maguire, I have always had full belief he would come through the tough period,” Coady, who also knows the former Leicester ace from England duty, tells BBC Sport.
“He is a brilliant character and a brilliant football player. The stick he has took at this football club is unbelievable!”
Maguire, following up his goal against Coventry City at Wembley with a clever glancing header to cancel out Jayden Bogle’s Old Trafford opener, took his tally to four. This is now his most prolific campaign since he was still a Sheffield United player, back in 2013/14.
There was always been a feeling that Maguire could become a semi-regular source of goals, particularly from set-pieces, a la Nemanja Vidic or, say, a Steve Bruce. Trying to stop Maguire winning a header is almost like attempting to halt a runaway train with nothing more than your bodyweight. The task facing Man United’s number six, however, was to make better use of his phenomenal aerial presence and get those headers on target.
Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils overtake Newcastle into sixth
“Outstanding,” Wilder said on Monday. “We’ve all seen his progression we are delighted for him. To play for your country, he hasn’t had it easy.
“When you move to a club like Man United, there’s a lot of games. A lot of advantages playing for a world class football club, an iconic football club. But there’s also a lot of pressure put on you, by everybody; media, supporters, worldwide, right the way through.
“He’s endured some tough times, as well all do, as we are doing right now, at an international level and from a club point of view. But the way he handles himself is first class.
“You know, humble guy, worked extremely hard to get into the position and deservedly so. And let’s not forget, he’s an absolute shoe-in for England.”
Man United, who scored three times in the second half against The Blades via Rasmus Hojlund and a Bruno Fernandes brace, overtook Newcastle into sixth after Eddie Howe’s side lost at home to Crystal Palace.