"Excellent reader of the game" – Stat proves Man United star is the best EPL defender in particular area

01/04/2025 08:27 AM

Despite the club's ongoing crisis, Manchester United stalwart Harry Maguire looks revitalised this season, and the stats prove just how much he's been influential at the back.

The 31-year-old has been serving the club's clause since sealing a transfer from Leicester City in the summer of 2019 for around £80 million. While he certainly struggled to justify these hefty figures over the years and was at times reduced to a banter figure, the defender has been mostly reliable this season, reclaiming his spot as an undisputed starter since Ruben Amorim's arrival.

The Portuguese manager considers the England international an essential element to his three-man defence, as he's the one tasked with marshalling the backline while operating in the central role. The Sheffield native has thus far made 16 appearances across all competitions, scoring a single goal in the process.

Moreover, an interesting figure illustrates just how vital Maguire has been for the Red Devils at the back.

According to Statman Dave, the experienced defender is averaging 2.50 interceptions when playing 90 minutes, which is more than any other Premier League centre-back with more than 500 minutes of playing time this season. The source thus describes him as 'an excellent reader of the game'.

Harry Maguire delivering the goods at the back for Man United

Maguire was running on an expiring contract, but the club has recently triggered an automatic renewal clause that pushed back the deadline for another year. But it remains to be seen if the two parties will agree on a long-term deal.

Maguire may have been solid at the back this term, but he also needs some of his teammates to step up to the plate, including Lisandro Martinez who has put up some poor displays as of late.

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