Harry Maguire was thrust into his Manchester United debut against Chelsea in the same week the England international became the world’s most expensive defender.
Maguire was under the microscope at Old Trafford on Sunday after completing a protracted £80million transfer from Premier League rivals Leicester only six days earlier.
Here, PA takes an in-depth look at the former Sheffield United and Hull centre-back’s display.
Role
Positioning
? “HARRY MAGUIRE, HARRY MAGUIRE…” ?#MUFC #MUNCHE pic.twitter.com/YVa7PQ6XCB
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 11, 2019
Initially struggled to get to grips with Chelsea’s bright, young things, as Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount made a lively start, although any early rustiness was perhaps understandable. Former United manager Jose Mourinho, a pundit for Sky Sports, noted Maguire had to “cover” for fellow Englishman Luke Shaw on a number of occasions in the first half. Maguire, though, kept a tight leash on Abraham after a slightly chaotic opening, allowing the Blues forward precious little breathing room.
Distribution
Proud to make my debut and great to get three points at Old Trafford, the atmosphere was class ?
Clean sheet for the team too. Thanks for the amazing support ? pic.twitter.com/tLj8LzrV8M
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) August 11, 2019
Maguire dispossessing Abraham started the chain that led to United’s second. Seemed unflustered whenever he had the ball and was happy get forward whenever the opportunity presented itself – largely at set-pieces. There will be times when Maguire is a handful at corners or free-kicks but he did not get many chances to show that here.
Overall
