100% tackles and duels won, 9 clearances: This United star was imperious vs Arsenal,

Manchester United came back from a goal down to pip Premier League leaders Arsenal 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The win was the Red Devils’ first victory in North London against the Gunners since 2017. The three points saw the visitors climb to fourth place in the league standings. This was the first time the hosts conceded three goals in 121 games, as Michael Carrick continued his stunning start to life in the hot seat. He has galvanised previously criticised players, while his attacking substitutions have worked a treat, as seen from Matheus Cunha’s match-winning contribution. Harry Maguire masterclass The legendary midfielder had claimed it was quite the gamble starting Harry Maguire at the heart of the defence in the Manchester derby so soon after his recovery from injury. The Englishman retained his place for Sunday’s blockbuster tie and what a performance he put in against Mikel Arteta’s side. CategoryValue Goals0 Assists0 Expected Assists (xA)0 Defensive Contributions11 Tackles (won)1 (1) Interceptions0 Clearances9 Blocked Shots1 Recoveries2 Ground Duels (won)3 (3) Aerial Duels (won)2 (2) Dribbled Past0 Key Passes0 Crosses (accurate)1 (0) Touches51 Dribbles (successful)0 (0) Was Fouled2 Possession Lost9 Accurate Passes29 / 37 (78%) Passes in Opposition Half (acc.)9 / 16 (56%) Passes in Own Half (acc.)20 / 21 (95%) Carries17 Total Carrying Distance177.3 m Progressive Carries2 Total Progression115.7 m Progressive Carrying Distance68.3 m Longest Progressive Carry41 m Total Shots0 Shots on Target0 Shots Blocked0 match stats via sofascore He won a 100 per cent of his tackles, while also winning all his aerial and ground duels. With the hosts known for their set-piece reliance, winning all aerial duels showed what a commanding presence Harry Maguire was inside the box. United better hurry up with contract talks The 32-year-old was a rock at the back, completing nine clearances, while blocking one attempt on goal. He also recovered the ball twice. The centre-back was effective with the ball as well, winning two fouls, while completing 17 carries of the football, including two progressive ones (all stats via sofascore). The performance showed how much the former Leicester City man has to offer United amid talks of a potential exit. His current deal expires in the summer, with interest in his services growing both in the Premier League and Serie A. INEOS better not delay those contract extension talks! Feature image Alex Pantling 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 Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25