100% aerial duels won, 1 key pass, 91% pass accuracy: United defensive stalwart dominates on huge stage

Manchester United came out on top in a vital victory over Aston Villa. Huge victory The Red Devils won 3-1 at Old Trafford, giving themselves a cushion in third place in the race for Champions League football. United had many important contributors to the match yesterday afternoon, especially in attack. Nonetheless, the visitors had very little luck in front of goal, which was largely due to the stellar job United’s defence did. One of the surprise performers of this season has been Harry Maguire, who has returned to form in a big way. The England international is out of contract this summer but has played out of his skin, making 19 appearances in all competitions this season. Versus Aston Villa Maguire has stepped in admirably since the injury to Matthijs de Ligt in November and once again demonstrated his defensive prowess alongside Frenchman Leny Yoro. He won one of his two tackles and made two clearances in the match. Maguire typically impressed in the air, winning 100% of his aerial duels and three out of four ground contests. He was also effective on the ball, making one key pass and completing 91% of his passing attempts. The big defender also carried the ball effectively up the pitch to gain valuable yards for his side. Potential England return With the international break fast approaching, it will be interesting to see if Maguire has done enough to force his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s plans. Maguire will also have an eye on finishing the season in the best possible way to resurrect his chances of going to the World Cup this summer. Harry Maguire stats vs Aston Villa StatValue Goals0 Assists0 Expected assists (xA)0.07 Def. contributions4 Tackles (won)2 (1) Interceptions0 Clearances2 Blocked shots0 Recoveries5 Ground duels (won)4 (3) Aerial duels (won)2 (2) Fouls1 Dribbled past0 Key passes1 Crosses (accurate)0 (0) Accurate passes60/66 (91%) Passes in opposition half (acc.)18/21 (86%) Passes in own half (acc.)42/45 (93%) Long balls (accurate)7/10 (70%) Touches72 Dribbles (successful)0 (0) Was fouled1 Possession lost6 Total carrying distance280.1 m Carries28 Progressive carries1 Total progression149.3 m Progressive carrying distance31.8 m Longest progressive carry25.2 m Total shots0 Shots on target0 Shots blocked0 Featured image George Wood via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.