Garth Crooks has praised Harry Maguire’s resolve to lead Manchester United to their 4-2 victory over Leeds United amid atrocious conditions.
Crooks included the defender in his BBC Team of the Week following the United captain’s goal-scoring showing at Elland Road on Sunday.
Maguire powered home a header just after the 30-minute mark to hand Ralf Rangnick’s team the lead.
After Bruno Fernandes doubled the advantage for the Red Devils, Marcelo Bielsa’s men hit back almost instantly with a double whammy in the second half. United eventually secured the three points thanks to strikes from Fred and Anthony Elanga.
In the pouring Yorkshire rain, surrounded by a stormy atmosphere of a different kind, Rangnick’s side needed a calm head to weather the Leeds lightning rod crowd.
Fortunately, Maguire stepped up to the task he’s unintentionally avoided recently.
“The England centre-back has been under severe scrutiny this season, taking a fair amount of stick as a consequence,” wrote Crooks.
“However, the Man Utd skipper has refused to buckle under pressure. He’s also the occasional whipping boy for United’s poor performances, particularly when Paul Pogba isn’t on the field, but he’s not allowed it to get to him or affect his performances.
“His goal against Leeds epitomised his determination and character as he outfought Diego Llorente to nod home United’s opener.
“This was a big win for United and, although they didn’t keep a clean sheet, Maguire played his part in an impressive victory away from home in atrocious conditions.”
A happy Harry hailed as hero
Because of his status at one of the world’s biggest clubs, fingers are often pointed at Maguire when things go awry on the pitch.
As a senior figure in the United squad with the responsibilities the armband brings, critics find it easy to pin the culpability on his shoulders.
To Maguire’s credit, he has never shied away from the criticism or tried to deflect the fault on to someone else. The 28-year-old knows the best way to silence the doubters is by actions, not words.
He managed to win a number of doubters over at Leeds with a confident defensive display to accompany his first league goal of the campaign.
According to WhoScored.com, he made two tackles, two clearances, an interception and a clearance. He also won two aerial duels.
A true skipper’s performance.
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