All too often in recent years Manchester United have had to rely on goals from unlikely sources, and Harry Maguire has chipped in with more than one crucial late strike.
The big centre-back has already done the job this season, scoring a last-gasp equaliser in United’s ill-fated Carabao Cup clash with Grimsby Town.
The game ended with the Red Devils losing 12-11 on penalties, but it would have been a whole lot more embarrassing had the 32-year-old not managed to secure his side a chance of redemption in a shootout.
Key man for Amorim
Maguire scored four times last season, and three of his goals came after the 90th minute had passed. The England international spared United’s blushes to secure a 3-3 draw against Porto in the Europa League, and bagged the winner against Olympique Lyonnais in a thrilling extra time comeback at Old Trafford.
He also contributed a decisive 93rd-minute goal against Leicester City in the FA Cup to secure a 2-1 victory.
Combined with his staunch defensive displays Maguire became a key man for manager Ruben Amorim, even though the Portuguese would probably rather not have to rely on long balls up to his number 5 to win games.
Future in doubt
He’s had his ups and downs at Old Trafford, but Maguire has been a loyal servant to the Red Devils.
United triggered the extension in his contract last year, but his deal will expire at the end of the season and according to The Sun he “would consider” a move to Saudi Arabia at that point.
The newspaper claims that two Saudi Pro League sides have the Englishman in their sights. But while their transfer window remains open until 23 September, Maguire has “told the teams he will see out the final year of his deal with United.”
What’s more he “has admitted that he could remain at Old Trafford beyond 2026 if United really wanted him”, despite being free to talk to overseas clubs in January.
Maguire reportedly turned down interest from Juventus and Como this summer as he remains focused on making the season a success for United after the dismal disappointment last time around.
Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
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Joe Ponting
Joe has spent more than half his life writing about football and all of it following United. As a child he told a doctor his name was ‘Paul Scholes’, but could never pick a pass like him no matter how much he tried.
