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Harry Maguire has undergone a spectacular transformation recently, with impressive goals and skillful plays. |
On that vibrant night of European football, when Manchester United thrashed Athletic Bilbao 3-0 at their home ground, San Mames, on May 2nd, no one expected that the most talked-about hero would be a central defender who had once been mercilessly ridiculed. Harry Maguire – a name that transformed from "Slabhead" to "Harrydinho" in a single magical night in Spain.
A magical moment for "Harrydinho"
In the 22nd minute, San Mames suddenly fell silent. Not because of a clumsy clearance as people had imagined from Maguire, but rather, because of a truly artistic piece of skill.
Upon receiving the ball on the right flank, facing defender Mikel Jauregizar, the English center-back did not opt for his usual safe approach. Instead, he executed a skillful dribble and turn so exquisitely that it made viewers feel as if they were witnessing a Ronaldinho comeback.
Ugarte then delivered a precise cross, which he lightly touched before Casemiro headed the ball into the home team's net. An unexpected play opened the door to victory for the "Red Devils".
"Perhaps they didn't really trust my crossing ability," Maguire shared after the match with a rare radiant smile. "Even I didn't think there would be so many teammates waiting in the box like that!"
Across social media platforms, the nickname "Harrydinho" has spread like wildfire. Videos of his skillful plays have been shared hundreds of thousands of times, accompanied by amazed comments such as: "Who has possessed Maguire's body?" or "Ronaldinho has been reborn in the body of an English center-back!"
It's hard to believe that on this very same Spanish soil, just two years ago, Maguire was the target of fierce criticism after the humiliating 0-3 defeat against Sevilla in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-finals. At that time, mistakes by the English defender and goalkeeper David de Gea led to Manchester United's embarrassing exit.
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Maguire is a different person now. |
Maguire's resurgence is no overnight story. Before his stellar performance against Bilbao, he made a decisive impact with a goal in the 120+1 minute against Lyon, leading Manchester United through a dramatic quarter-final stalemate. And that wasn't all; the former Leicester center-back's attacking contributions became increasingly effective, from powerful headers to exquisite passes.
Bruno Fernandes, the current captain of Manchester United, couldn't hide his surprise: "I didn't know Harry had that ability. It's like watching a real winger. Maybe we should let him play right wing all the time!"
The 2024/25 season saw a completely new Maguire. Not only was he a mainstay in the defense with his accurate interceptions and timely tackles, but he was also a constant threat in set pieces thanks to his 1.94m height and impressive jumping ability. Now, one must add to the list a Maguire with a refined ball-handling ability, rarely seen in a defender nicknamed "the concrete block".
Behind this transformation lies a journey of immense determination. From being painfully stripped of the captaincy, being relegated to the bench for an extended period, and even nearly leaving Old Trafford to join West Ham, Maguire chose to stay and fight even when former manager Erik ten Hag no longer had faith in him.
"Harry is an example for everyone of perseverance and the ability to overcome adversity," commented new manager Ruben Amorim. "He never complains, always trains hard, and is ready when the team needs him. That's the quality of a true warrior."
The hero of decisive moments.
When asked if this was the best season of his career, Maguire humbly replied: "I don't think so. My first two seasons at Manchester United were really the best, when we had the most clean sheets in Europe and finished second in the Premier League. But admittedly, the big moments this season are more memorable than any other."
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Maguire has shown that he still has value. |
Those moments have created a new Maguire in the eyes of the fans: the injury-time equalizer against Porto in the Europa League League Phase 1, the decisive header against Lyon, and now the "Harrydinho" performance at San Mames. Maguire is becoming a true hero in crucial moments – something Old Trafford has been hoping for since his £80 million signing in 2019.
Manchester United are experiencing a turbulent season. Mid-season coaching changes, a host of injuries, and disappointing results in the Premier League have plunged the Red Devils into crisis. Maguire himself has not hesitated to admit this harsh reality.
"This hasn't been a successful season overall," the 31-year-old center-back candidly shared. "We lacked consistency, lost too many games, and didn't adapt quickly enough to tactical changes. But football always offers opportunities for redemption, and the Europa League is our biggest chance right now."
With a 3-0 lead from the first leg, Manchester United are well on their way to the Europa League final at San Mames on May 22nd. If the "Red Devils" can lift the prestigious trophy, no one deserves the honor more than Harry Maguire – who has gone from an outcast to an unexpected hero.
"From 'Slabhead' to 'Harrydinho,' only football can create such magical stories," former star Rio Ferdinand said on BT Sport. "Harry proves that in football, it's never too late to rewrite your own story."
With the second leg fast approaching at Old Trafford, Manchester United fans are eagerly awaiting the return of "Harrydinho." Will the glory at San Mames continue to shine, or is it just a once-in-a-lifetime miracle? Whatever the case, Harry Maguire has made the entire football world reconsider the image of a central defender who was once mercilessly ridiculed.
Source: https://znews.vn/maguire-gay-ngo-ngang-post1550620.html
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