Senne Lammens handed Manchester United the three points against Everton, but for Michael Carrick, it was Harry Maguire who stood out as man of the match.
On a tough night for Manchester United against Everton, the win was earned by the defence, which held firm against underhanded set-piece tactics. Senne Lammens handled the corners perfectly, while those ahead of him also shone.
Leny Yoro impressed with his physicality against James Tarkowski, while elsewhere in the box, Harry Maguire’s contributions were absolutely vital.
Maguire has been a top performer throughout Michael Carrick’s reign, and after the game against Everton, Andy Mitten claimed that he was the manager’s star performer.
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Edwin van der Sar quotes on Senne Lammens
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Harry Maguire was Michael Carrick’s pick for man of the match
United were from at top level against Everton, but it was a performance that has been lacking in recent years, showing steel and grit defensively and mental toughness to claim a win.
Harry Maguire playing against Everton
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Maguire was key in the defensive battle to secure all three points on Monday night, and his performance saw Carrick tell Andy Mitten he was the man of the match, as he explained on the Talk of the Devils podcast.
“Lammens was fantastic, you mention Maguire, he’s out of contract in two or three months’ time. He was Man of the Match in the Arsenal game you speak about, and he was Man of the Match last night, according to the manager.
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“I don’t know if he said it on radio or the TV. But as he as he walked out of the stadium, I was the last one in the ground and I said ‘Lammens Man of the Match?’ and he said ‘Maguire!’ So there’s a world exclusive for you.”
Maguire was great against Everton, shining himself and also aiding Yoro as the young defender found his feet after time out of the starting line-up.
What did you think of Harry Maguire’s performance vs Everton? Surely he deserves a new contract?
Appreciation post for Harry Maguire!
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Harry Maguire leaving Manchester United this summer would be inconceivable
This season has seen plenty of questions raised around whether Maguire should and will be offered a new contract at Old Trafford before his expiry date in June.
There was little chance of Maguire keeping his lucrative contract, but an agreement could quite feasibly be reached. In fact, the latest reports suggest United and Maguire are close to an agreement which will see them meet in the middle.
Maguire has made himself indispensable to Carrick in terms of his leadership and on-field performances. Due to this, there is little chance that Maguire will be allowed to depart in the event Carrick becomes permanent.
His presence and leadership alone are big factors in why United should keep him, but he is also playing really well on the pitch, not reflecting a player on the decline or worth letting go.
He is irreplaceable.
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