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*THREAD* : How Maguire has Improved @ManUtd's defence
Harry Maguire became the world's most expensive defender as he signed for Man United. People label him as "Fridge" for his lack of movement but the fact is he has improved United's defence massively
#MUFC #GlazersOut
Harry Maguire became the world's most expensive defender as he signed for Man United. People label him as "Fridge" for his lack of movement but the fact is he has improved United's defence massively
#MUFC #GlazersOut
Maguire was crucial in changing United’s fortunes for the better.Along with their improved 3rd-place finish in 2019/20, United also managed to concede just 36 league goals, 18 fewer than the previous season and just 3 fewer than Premier League champions Liverpool.
#GlazersOut
#GlazersOut
His arrival not only boosted the club’s defensive performances, but his composure and ability on the ball also helped to improve their possession percentage by nearly 2 percent, from 54.5 percent to 56.2 percent.
#MUFC #GlazersOut
#MUFC #GlazersOut
Upon Maguire’s arrival, Ole Gunnar Solskjær Said, “He is a great reader of the game and has a strong presence on the pitch, with the ability to remain calm under pressure – coupled with his composure on the ball and a huge presence in both boxes.
#MUFC #GlazersOut
#MUFC #GlazersOut
The 6ft 4ins Maguire is capable of being an immensely dominant central defender, largely owing to the strong frame and powerful movements that make him so impressive in the air.
If this makes him a particular strength against direct opponents, it also makes him an asset at both attacking and defending set-pieces. He provides excellent protection for goalkeepers potentially struggling with imposing strikers – particularly under deliveries close to goal.
His importance to United’s possession can be highlighted by the fact that of all central-defenders this season, only Virgil van Dijk completed more touches than Maguire (FBRef). Maguire is also extremely comfortable with the ball at his feet, according to data provided by Wyscout
No central defender completed more progressive runs (105) than him this season. In the image below we can see Maguire preparing to receive an infield pass from Paul Pogba, with two Newcastle attackers closing him down.
Upon receiving the ball, Maguire is able to beat the initial press and progress the ball almost to midfield, eliminating five Newcastle players, before playing a forward pass to Juan Mata.
His willingness to step out from the defense is also shown by his impressive progressive carrying distance, where he totaled 8,408 yards this season, more than any other center-half in the Premier League (FBRef).
Even more impressive is the fact that he led all central defenders in Key Passes, with a total of 17. Here is an example of his distribution in the buildup phase against Southampton, a match where United were often being pressed high and aggressively from Southampton’s front two.
Harry is also able to break down defenses higher up the pitch by breaking lines and eliminating defenders with long passes. Maguire is able to split the defenders to find an advancing Brandon Williams in the final third on the left, behind the two initial lines of pressure.
When he is defending against deliveries from wide areas (below), he positions his hips and upper body towards the ball and feels his opponent with his arm instead of attempting to see that opponent, encouraging him to prioritise the relevant delivery.
That preference only becomes a weakness if the ball is whipped low and between Maguire and the goal and if his opponent succeeds in moving across and in front of him.
In possession, Maguire is a relatively modern central defender. He is calm and composed on the ball, his ball progression statistics are exceptional, and he is an extremely solid passer. Here is his heat map from all matches played in the Premier League this season.
Game Reading
Below is a fantastic example of his ability to read the game defensively. In the first image we can see that he is going to step out of defense to pressure David Silva, who receives the ball in a pocket of space.
Below is a fantastic example of his ability to read the game defensively. In the first image we can see that he is going to step out of defense to pressure David Silva, who receives the ball in a pocket of space.
While the pass is on the way, Maguire is able to detect Silva’s next action, which is to play a one touch pass down the line to Kevin De Bruyne. Maguire quickly reacts to this by adjusting the angle of his pressure, and is able to cut out the pass at the last second.
If one of three central defenders in United’s back five, Maguire’s central position often opens up more spaces outside for the pass into the relevant full-back or wing-back than when they are playing with a back four.
When United are without possession he plays similarly whether in a back five or four; when following an opposing attacker in a back five, however, he has more cover than in a four.
When defending corners Maguire’s role is zonal. He positions himself centrally, on the edge of the six yard box (image below), and doesn’t take an opponent because sis priority is to attack the ball.
He also regularly succeeds in making the first contact with the ball, but, on occasions when an attacker loses his defender and makes a run of front of Maguire before reaching the ball ahead of him, United have been at risk of conceding.
Perhaps his biggest weakness is lack of mobility. Manchester United have attempted to press higher up the pitch this season at times, meaning they must defend with a high back four to maintain their team balance and shape. This has caused a few problems for Maguire.
we see Tottenham’s Steven Bergwijn dribbling at Maguire at full speed. Maguire’s initial starting position is not particularly poor, and we can see he is trying to show Bergwijn to the outside.
However, Bergwijn is able to beat him for pace on the inside as Maguire is not able to turn his hips quick enough to delay the progress of the Dutch attacker. This particular attack ended with Bergwijgn scoring for Spurs, United would end up equalizing late on via a Bruno Penalty
While pace can at times cause problems for Maguire, once again this is where his reading of the game and understanding of angles and space comes to the forefront. Below is a fantastic example of Maguire being beaten by a ball played over the top into space to Miguel Almirón.
However, in the next frame we see how he manages to take a perfect angle on his recovery, and with extreme timing is able to block what looked to be a sure goal.
Whether fair or unfair, Maguire is often scrutinized due to his hefty price tag. Regardless of how much money was paid for him, he has been an outstanding defender for United this season.This season, Maguire started and played every single minute in the Premier League for United.
The England international can't do anything about his transfer fee, but his performances earned him the captaincy. And since then, he has raised his game both on and off the field, becoming the leader Manchester United needs.
He has been instrumental to United’s success and his leadership and presence in the side will be vital as United look to improve on their third-place finish heading into next season.
#harrymaguire #MUFC #Glazersout #slabheadfc
#harrymaguire #MUFC #Glazersout #slabheadfc
compiled by @reddevil07nair from sources like Coaches voices, Scout reports and Breaking the lines
