100% aerials, 97% passing: 71-touch Man Utd star deserves new contract after dazzling display vs Crystal Palace
Manchester United continued their good form in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Red Devils had the worst possible start to the game with Maxence Lacroix opening the scoring for the Eagles after just four minutes on the clock.
The Eagles pressed forward for a second goal in the opening half, but United were resolute and went into the break with a slender 1-0 deficit.
They were the better outfit after the interval. Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty shortly after Palace’s Lacroix received a straight red card.
The Portuguese then delivered an exceptional cross towards Benjamin Sesko, who put the Red Devils ahead with a dominating header.
Alongside the duo, centre-back Harry Maguire had a brilliant outing and provided good cover for Leny Yoro, who had a nervous beginning.
The Englishman completed a stunning 97 percent of his passes and won six out of seven duels, with a 100 percent aerial success rate (4/4).
Maguire, who had 71 touches in the match, also made four recoveries and five clearances in a top-class display in the heart of the backline.
The experienced defender was substituted in the 85th minute with a possible injury scare.
However, manager Michael Carrick clarified after the game that he was feeling ‘unwell’ and hoped that he would be fit for the midweek encounter against Newcastle United on the road.
Maguire has been a revelation since returning to the starting line-up under Carrick after a prolonged spell on the sidelines with a hamstring issue.
Some United fans questioned the decision to play him in the XI, but he has stood out over the past seven matches and has hardly put a foot wrong.
Maguire is already back in contention for the England squad, as per Thomas Tuchel. He could be on the plane to North America later this summer.
Meanwhile, the former Leicester City man deserves a new contract on the back of his scintillating displays for the Red Devils over the last few weeks.
His current deal concludes at the end of June, and it appears a no-brainer decision to hand him a new long-term contract after his recent displays.
Of course, the final decision may depend on him accepting a small pay cut. He could be prepared to do so, having become a key player once more.
Maguire may not be a regular starter in the league next term if Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez are fully fit, but there will be plenty of rotation with European football.
United are currently six points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea in the league table and look on course to return to the Champions League during the 2026/27 season.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .