One United man can hold his head high after post-match comments show his resilient character and commitment

In a game in which many Manchester United players oversaw substandard performances yet again, Harry Maguire is one who can hold his head high. 

The centre-half was partnered by Casemiro for yesterday’s FA Cup semi-final after Willy Kambwala’s late injury setback meant that all five senior centre-halves were unavailable.

It was a stalwart showing from Maguire despite Coventry City’s remarkable second-half comeback, with the England international winning 100 per cent of his tackles and 100 per cent of his ground duels while also etching his name on the scoresheet with a thumping header in the first half.

Harry Maguire’s game by numbers vs. Coventry:

100% tackles won

100% ground duels won

88% pass accuracy

5/8 aerial duels won

91 passes completed

3 shots

1 goal

You can’t fault Maguire’s performance. 🫡🫡🫡 pic.twitter.com/PkXzwB7pzJ

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 21, 2024

What’s even more commendable aside from his performance, though, is that he had missed most of the squad’s training sessions in the week leading up to the game due to an injury concern. It was evident throughout United’s draw with Bournemouth that Maguire was playing through pain, yet did all he could to ensure he was available to start on Sunday.

Maguire’s commitment to the cause is highly commendable

Erik ten Hag had confirmed the defender’s struggles in last Friday’s press conference, telling reporters: “Harry, all game against Bournemouth, he struggled, he had an issue, he had a small injury, he didn’t train this week so far. But now he’s back on the pitch. So, we expect him today back in the team training. He will be available I think, I hope, for Sunday.”

As such, when the Reds’ place in the FA Cup final was set in stone, Maguire’s resilient character shone through in his post-match interview with MUTV.

“We don’t feel amazing at the moment,” he admitted. “Maybe tomorrow morning we’ll wake up and realise we’re in another cup final. It’s a really strange game.

“Listen, we couldn’t have got on that coach tonight had we lost that game. It would have been unacceptable.

“I always put the club first. I haven’t really trained this week.”