8x possession lost, 50% pass accuracy: One City star was ‘bullied’ by ‘colossal’ Utd stalwart in derby win

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·16 de dezembro de 2024

8x possession lost, 50% pass accuracy: One City star was ‘bullied’ by ‘colossal’ Utd stalwart in derby win

Each Manchester United star did their bit to ensure they reigned victorious in last night’s emphatic derby win, but one player’s stellar shift simply cannot slip under the radar.

Ever the maligned figure since his record-making transfer, Harry Maguire has had to navigate one of the most tumultuous tenures of anyone at Old Trafford.

Vídeos OneFootball

Frequently have the centre-half’s performances come under the microscope by pundits, rival fans and often even United’s own supporters, leading to him becoming one of the most widely-criticised and mocked players in English football.

That’s why it’s so satisfying to see Maguire rise above the hostility after all these years and consistently be a standout performer, which was exactly the case when he took to the Etihad on Sunday tasked with keeping Erling Haaland quiet.

Haaland couldn’t get a sniff at goal thanks to Maguire

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

There was no doubt that come the full-time whistle, after the euphoric celebrations that had just taken place, it’d be Amad Diallo claiming the Player of the Match award – and rightly so. However, that’s not to say there weren’t other contenders who shouldn’t be commended for their efforts, Maguire being one.

He played the full 90 minutes in what came as only his fifth start of the Premier League campaign, primarily due to two injury setbacks since 2024/2025 got underway. He recorded a remarkable 100 per cent tackle win rate and won 100 per cent of his ground duels.

Maguire also made five interceptions, three clearances and one block. Haaland, often the most unstoppable centre-forward in world football, recorded a 50 per cent passing accuracy and won only 44 per cent of his duels. He had zero shots on target, zero goals and zero assists, making it no surprise StatmanDave claimed he’d been ‘bullied’ by the ‘colossal’ Englishman.

It’s the kind of display that Ruben Amorim will have certainly taken heed of. Next up for United is a Carabao Cup quarter-final tie away to Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday before they return to league action when hosting Bournemouth just three days later.