Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz has revealed that Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire has been his toughest opponent in the Premier League, praising the England international for his physicality and pace.
The Brazilian ended 2024-25 with eight goals in eight league starts, boasting a goalscoring rate of 0.6 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes since the start of last season.
Muniz has come against some top defenders since becoming a professional, but playing against the former Man United captain has not been fun.
“Maguire,” Muniz reveals without hesitation when asked by The Athletic who has been his toughest opponent.
“Maguire and Van Dijk would be my top two — Van Dijk gives you a bit more space. The perfect centre-back would be a mix of Maguire and Van Dijk. It’s very difficult to play against both of them. Both have so much quality, both in the physicality and the pace.”
“(Maguire) He’s always making contact, doesn’t leave you in peace, it’s constant. You have to be very focused.”
The Red Devils defender was almost sold in 2023 and he had to fight his way back into the squad under former manager Erik ten Hag. The 32-year-old featured in 40 games across all competitions this term and was very influential at both ends of the pitch, weighing in with four goals and one assist.
Man United executives have been impressed with the manner in which Maguire has conducted himself and bounced back, and they want him to have a long-term future at the club beyond his playing days.
Talks on a new contract are anticipated this summer after the Old Trafford club triggered the one-year extension option in his contract in January to prevent him from leaving as a free agent at the end of the season.