Harry Maguire: Stop being arrogant with life for once
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“Ah ha, you finally scored with that big head”, Bruno Fernandes laughed with a “love hit” on… Harry Maguire’s head, after a successful header by the midfielder wearing shirt number 5.
- 1. But wait, that’s not the scene that just happened. But we had to go back in time to more than a year ago, in February 2022, Marguire and Paul Pogba scored a victory against Leeds United in the Premier League. Yes, at the time Bruno revealed that interesting celebratory interaction, Pogba was still playing for the Red Devils and… Ralf Rangnick was even holding a sand table.
It sounds like a very distant past, and even the cheerful atmosphere is the same. It’s been so long since the demons could laugh and joke like that. Since the beginning of the new season, there has been a tense atmosphere: Despite entering the second year of building MU according to his philosophy, coach Erik ten Hag and his students are still only ranked 8th in the Premier League. as well as losing both first matches in the Champions League.
Two consecutive victories against Brentford and Sheffeild led them to this place, where the scene of dejavu was set: Maguire, from hundreds of thousands of hardships and seemingly thrown out of the team, rose again like a tower. to bring home the goal. Leaving behind to celebrate with Bruno and his teammates.
Therefore, the header against Copenhagen was a strong response. In the context of MU not having any points, and facing a tense match until the 72nd minute against a difficult away team, Maguire pressed the person and knocked his head like Ibra’s figure, then skated on the grass to celebrate like the golden Wayne Rooney of old. . Four Old Trafford stands exploded! At that moment, the fans who hated Maguire the most also jumped up and celebrated.
That goal was important because it brought a turning point that could save MU’s Champions League campaign this season. With 3 precious points achieved within a hair’s breadth (Andre Onana also saved from the penalty spot at the last minute), the Red Devils are currently ranked 3rd in Group A and are only 3 points behind Galatasaray. They can completely compete fairly for a ticket to the next round if they maintain that momentum.
As for Maguire, he just scored his first goal this season. But for a midfielder who has received so much criticism, his performance on the defensive front is the most important: In 90 minutes last night, he had 89 touches of the ball and made 72/82 successful passes. , won 5 duels, had 4 aerial victories and once stopped the opponent from finishing. The overall performance was scored 7.7 by Whoscored and 7.9 by SofaScore – just behind Onana. There couldn’t be a more perfect message about return.
- And obviously, it is also a response to the negative views directed towards him in the past. Notice the way Maguire celebrates the goal: Raises his hand to make a heart symbol towards the audience, then points to the team logo on his chest. Those were clearly involuntary actions in extreme excitement, representing his sincere heart.
Even though he is not a fierce beast, he still has the dignity and resilience of a wounded “beast”. The last three matches were three times Maguire stepped onto the field with a strong desire, literally burning his heart out to quell the slanderers, as well as prove himself worthy of the head coach and the fans.
With huge external influences and his own unconvincing performance, Maguire’s psychology has long been suppressed. The important thing is that you don’t give up, but always try to find a way back. Including learning from legendary senior David Beckham.
- However, reality is always harsh, isn’t it? Today you are a hero; The next day you play badly, you will immediately be a “clown” in critical sentences. Only one thing is certain: destiny is in your hands: If this excitement and good form continue, Maguire has a chance to maintain his position in the MU defense – for the first time in a long period.
However, it is an extremely difficult task. Not to mention the long journey, this weekend he and his teammates have to face the biggest mountain – the Manchester derby with the defending champions of England and the Champions League!
After an unfortunate loss to Arsenal, Green Man gained momentum with a 2-1 victory over Brighton and now, they are ready to vent their anger on Young Boys and MU this week. The rising form of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez (both scored in the most recent match) will be a huge challenge for the MU defense.
So let’s wait and see what a “ready Maguire” can do when fighting a much higher level storm than the last 3 opponents. Let’s wait and see at the age of 30, after going through all the ups and downs and being in good conditions, will he be able to block the top spearheads or not.
If he can do it, MU fans can wipe away their tears and bitter laughter, to welcome back the peak Harry Maguire – when he was still playing for Leicester.