Man Utd: David De Gea reacts to 0-0 draw against Chelsea
Manchester United have waited a while for the real Harry Maguire to stand up. But the England international may just be getting back to his best if Saturday night’s match with Chelsea is anything to go by. The centre-back was good in the match against Old Trafford, leading by example as his side claimed a point.
Manchester United went into Saturday night’s match against Chelsea looking for a third win on the trot.
They beat Newcastle 4-1 in their content last week and also bettered PSG in their Champions League clash on Tuesday night.
Unfortunately for United, however, it wasn’t to be.
The Red Devils were unable to break down a plucky Chelsea backline, despite having the majority of the chances on offer at Old Trafford.
There were positives for Solskjaer’s side, however.
Firstly, Edinson Cavani. The Uruguay international couldn’t find the net but looked sharp on his first appearance for the club, nearly finding the net shortly after his introduction.
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Fred and Scott McTominay continued their fine partnership at the back, with the pair keeping the likes of Paul Pogba and Donny van de Beek on the bench.
Marcus Rashford looked a threat and Juan Mata’s footballing intelligence was evident throughout the match.
Arguably the biggest positive for United, however, is the performance of Maguire at the back.
It’s been a difficult few months for the England international. He suffered an alarming dip in form towards the end of last season, toiling in defeats to both Chelsea and Europa League.
Then came the incident in Greece that saw him charged, something that cast a cloud over the defender’s preparations for the new campaign.
And, in the early stages of the season, Maguire was utterly shambolic as United slipped to defeats against both Crystal Palace and Tottenham at Old Trafford.
Last week, there were signs he was beginning to regain his form.
Maguire scored United’s crucial equaliser against Newcastle last weekend, giving his side the foundations to make a fine comeback at St James’ Park.
And, against Chelsea on Saturday night, the 27-year-old stood tall.
Chelsea possess one of the best attacks in the entire Premier League and Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz all started their showdown.
Maguire could have been forgiven for feeling fearful.
Fans on social media certainly were, with many instead believing Axel Tuanzebe should have been selected after his sensational performance against PSG in midweek.
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