Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United are getting somewhat of a reputation for turning up for big games and they did so again in the FA Cup.
With the chips completely stacked against them, they put on a heroic effort to take Arsenal to extra time and penalties, winning 5-3 in the shootout.
Altay Bayindir was the shocking success story of the game, saving a penalty in regular time and in the shootout plus making some massive saves.
Alejandro Garnacho was given a chance to impress and he stepped up as well, assisting Bruno Fernandes for United’s open play goal.
However, nobody will be choosing them over Andre Onana and Amad. There’s a new and unexpected untouchable at Man United after the win at Arsenal, a spot he has cemented now.
Harry Maguire – defensive titan against Arsenal
Harry Maguire has now been close to leaving Old Trafford for two consecutive summer windows and ended both those seasons as a crucial squad player.
If there was ever an example in the Man Utd squad for the players to see perseverance and professionalism personified, it’s Harry Maguire.
Against Arsenal, he continued his sterling run of form, reborn as the central centre-back in Ruben Amorim’s back three, again.
It’s now another manager he has convinced of his abilities despite a tumultuous time overall at the club and after Maguire’s recent contract extension, this is the performance that will earn him untouchable status at the club.
He finished the FA Cup tie having played 104 minutes, completing a remarkable 20 defensive actions in the game, with five blocks, 11 clearances, and four recoveries marking him out as a defensive machine.
When all else failed, he always seemed to find himself in the right spot at the right time as the deepest centre-back, utilising his physical skills to perfection.
Harry Maguire has turned his Man Utd career around
From obituaries being written about his Man Utd career after the signing of every centre-back while he was at the club, he has emerged from the rubble again.
De Ligt was the latest one who was expected to make him expendable but he received a sniff of an opportunity due to Amorim’s new system.
13 games into the Premier League, he’s the first name on the teamsheet, so good he has pushed De Ligt to the right centre-back spot despite him starting as the favoured central one.
His form has allowed Amorim to ease Yoro back into action and as it stands, that status of an untouchable is very well-deserved, if entirely unexpected.
Then again, anyone who has seen Maguire in the last six years at Old Trafford shouldn’t be surprised that he’s made himself indispensable again. He’s an example.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/ZeuNBln