Harry Maguire impresses despite Man United’s defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers

Manchester United were beaten 2-0 at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day, leaving them in the bottom half of the Premier League.

Despite the result, some of United’s defensive players can take some credit, most notably Harry Maguire, who continued his mini-renaissance under Ruben Amorim.

Wolves took the lead after a Matheus Cunha corner sailed just over goalkeeper Andre Onana’s head and doubled the advantage in the final seconds as United threw everything forward.

Aside from those moments, the hosts largely kept their distance and managed fewer shots than the badly beaten Red Devils, and Maguire was the pick of United’s backline.

The Englishman cleared six times, more than anyone else on the pitch, and intercepted the ball three times – more than anyone else in the red jersey.

He also contributed a tackle and a blocked shot and continues to impress as a central defender in the back three.

This role is one of the most important in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, with the ball held in the center of defense as movements build up.

Accordingly, Maguire had 72 touches of the ball, just behind Noussair Mazraoui’s 75, and was reliable with his passes.

The 31-year-old completed the most passes of any player on his team, completing 49 of 58 attempts, giving him a pass accuracy of 84%.

To show some range, Maguire attempted ten long balls, five of which found her man.

He was usually tough in duels and often emerged victorious in duels with the men in gold.

On the ground, Maguire won two of three duels played and he won two of four aerial duels.

All statistics come from Sofascore.

Featured image Naomi Baker via Getty Images

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