‘What I like about him…’: Merson picks resurgent United man as the player he’d want ‘playing next to him’

Paul Merson reserved special praise for Harry Maguire after Manchester United’s triumphant 2-1 win over Aston Villa yesterday.

The centre-half picked up an assist for Rasmus Hojlund’s opener 17 minutes into the clash and oversaw a spirited defensive shift to keep the ever-dangerous Villans at bay – for the most part, of course.

Maguire, 30, played six passes into the final third, won seven aerial duels and made 46 successful passes. Despite Hojlund and Scott McTominay’s crucial contributions, the England international was named Player of the Match, and deservedly so.

⭐️ Player of the Match, @ManUtd's Harry Maguire

71 touches

46 successful passes

7 aerial duels won

6 final third entries

1 assist

👏#AVLMUN pic.twitter.com/9Nz6v9mB58

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) February 11, 2024

Having just returned from a groin injury layoff, he’s picked up where he’s left off in his resurgent campaign and it’s refreshing to see Maguire receive plaudits from pundits and supporters after so much negativity in recent years.

Erik ten Hag choosing to take the armband off Maguire has seemingly allowed him to play with less pressure heaped on his shoulders and when fit, he’s now a mainstay in the starting 11.

Merson lauds Maguire

In the Sky Sports studio post-match, Merson told the panel: “What I like about him [Maguire] is when he goes up for a corner, he goes to try and score.”

“He puts his body on the line. I’m pleased for him. If I was playing next to him I’d want him in my team,” he said of United’s No.5.