Harry Maguire adopted a key trait that Rio Ferdinand had in his arsenal and the approach played a crucial part in maintaining his longevity at Manchester United.
The 33-year-old former Manchester United captain’s long-term future at Old Trafford remains uncertain after he entered the final six months of his current contract.
Harry Maguire has enjoyed a career resurgence at the Premier League club in recent seasons after Erik ten Hag stripped him of the Man Utd captain’s armband in 2023.
The United centre-back has been a key defensive figure for Michael Carrick since the 44-year-old interim head coach replaced Ruben Amorim in the Old Trafford hot seat.
READ MORE: ‘That’s the difference’: Diogo Dalot credits Rio Ferdinand for helping him show his ‘real side’ to Man Utd fans
Harry Maguire during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James' Park in 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Is Rio Ferdinand Man Utd’s best defender of all time? 🐐🤔
If it is NOT Rio Ferdinand, then who is it? 🛡️🥷
Harry Maguire compared his own playing style as a defender to that of former Man Utd and England defender Rio Ferdinand
Rio Ferdinand is widely regarded as one of the best Premier League defenders of all time and enjoyed a formidable partnership with Nemanja Vidic at Old Trafford.
A complete ‘Rolls-Royce defender,’ the 47-year-old former TNT Sports pundit was a linchpin defensive figure for legendary ex-Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
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Ferdinand adopted an opposing approach to Nemanja Vidic and complemented his fellow United legend’s aggressive style with his cool and calm ability on the ball.
Speaking to the Red Devils’ club media, Harry Maguire said his own playing style as a ball-playing centre-back was deeply influenced by what he saw from Ferdinand.
“Yeah, Rio had, he was excellent on the ball, as you can see here,” he said in an interview, as per Manchester United’s official website.
“But he was also a top-class defender as well and really calm and I think that’s a big thing I learnt from him as well.
“Playing the big situations really calmly. He had that really, really well.”
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Should Harry Maguire get a contract extension beyond the 2025/26 season?
Harry Maguire celebrating at Anfield
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Harry Maguire drops the ultimate compliment on Rio Ferdinand with what the Man Utd legend could do now
Ferdinand, who left Leeds United and signed for United in 2002, lifted six Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy and two League Cups at Old Trafford.
Maguire said that his ball-playing ability has become a major part of football now and he is convinced that Ferdinand could “play in any era” due to his abilities.
“Yeah, it’s definitely a big part of the game now,” he added.
“I think it’s… that’s why I’ve always said that Rio could play in any era.
“But yeah, for sure, nowadays, in this era, actually this season a little bit less, as it has been over the last five or six years, about being comfortable on the ball as defenders and building up from the back – every attack starts from a defender.
“But it does go around in cycles and in 10 years’ time it might change [again].”
Ferdinand left Old Trafford in 2014 and signed for Queens Park Rangers for a brief spell, with the United legend retiring from football after the 2014-15 campaign.
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