‘He was a beast’ – Manchester United defender makes Premier League team of the week

Troy Deeney has named his Premier League team of the week after the first round of fixtures this season.

The former Watford striker has replaced Garth Crooks as the pundit choosing the team of the week for BBC Sport, and he has included one Manchester United player from our 1-0 win over Fulham on Friday night.

Harry Maguire was the unsung hero against the Cottagers so it’s good to see him get a mention by Deeney, who wrote: “He was a beast for Manchester United against Fulham. Just doing what he does, nothing weird and wonderful, but he looked a big solid centre-half – which is what he is.”

The England international was one player thought to be made available by United this summer, but after several checks Stretty News never found this information to be accurate. Maguire has always wanted to remain at United and fight for his place regardless of the arrival of two new centre-backs this summer.

When you see him perform as he did against Fulham, Maguire is far from the hindrance many accuse him of being.

New signings Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui received the most plaudits for their displays. The former scored the match-winner three minutes from stoppage time to secure three points for the Reds.

Maguire was selected among four defenders in the team of the week. The others include Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Ruben Dias (Man City) and Dan Burn (Newcastle).

Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool dominated the team of the week selection with two players each.

BBC’s Premier League team of the week: Pope; Alexander-Arnold, Maguire, Dias, Burn; Onana, Kovacic; Saka, Mitoma, Salah; Havertz.

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