Manchester United fans will have been left delighted after seeing Harry Maguire make a goal-saving block in a 2-2 friendly draw against Aston Villa.
The defender has struggled since making the £80m move from Leicester City and looked a particular weakness last season at the heart of a United defence that conceded 57 goals in the Premier League – the eighth-highest in the division.
In a new era under Erik ten Hag, however, everyone has the opportunity for a fresh start, including Maguire. And in a moment that may leave everyone feeling far more confident about Maguire’s capabilities, the former Foxes defender’s goal-saving block against Villa would have likely impressed his new boss:
Now that’s how you put your body on the line, @HarryMaguire93 ??#MUFC || #MUTOUR22
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 23, 2022
TIF Thoughts on Harry Maguire and Manchester United…
It was by no means a perfect game for United, who were pegged back to a draw in the final stages courtesy of Calum Chambers’ goal. But with Jadon Sancho scoring again and United remaining unbeaten on tour, there are plenty of positives to take.
As club captain, it’s up to Maguire to step up, and with the club now in a new era, he has the chance to do just that. If he can take what has seemingly been a positive pre-season into the new Premier League campaign, the Red Devils may just cause a few issues for those battling it out for a place in the top four next season.
It’s been a case of so far, so good for Ten Hag. The former Ajax boss will now just be hoping to see his side build on a good pre-season.