'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Manchester United have been positive thus far in the transfer market, securing two signings in Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. There are no signs of stopping as Ed Woodward has stayed back in the UK to recruit at least two more players- with a deal for Harry Maguire being close to being agreed.
With Wan-Bissaka secured, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will oversee a massive improvement to his back-four should United complete the signing of Harry Maguire. In spite of impasse between the clubs over a transfer fee, the 26-year-old defender is expected to complete his Old Trafford switch within a few days.
Considering Maguire's imminent arrival at Manchester United, let's look at three reasons why he is a perfect signing for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
#3 Maguire is comfortable on the ball
Manchester United's two pre-season games thus far had optimum fundamentals to depict the style of play Solskjaer wants to implement with his group of players next campaign. The Red Devils have maintained a very high defensive line with full-backs pushing forward to support the attackers.
Last season, Victor Lindelof was the only ball-playing centre back available to Ole, which forced him to deploy a deeper line of defence. Harry Maguire's undisputed ability on the ball will provide United with a massive boost in terms of technicality.
The Englishman was second-best in launching long balls, averaging 6.6 pings per 90, only eclipsed by Toby Alderweireld(7.4). His range of passing will be crucial in picking up United attackers' runs behind the opposing defenders.
Man United will have a pair of top-notch centre-halves, with both of them averaging around 50 passes per game(Harry- 56.35, Lindelof- 49.67). Maguire is excellent in retaining the ball and his 17 take-ons were the highest for any Premier League centre-half last season. His ability to sustain possession will reduce the danger of United being caught in counter-pressing.
#2 Immaculate aerial abilities
Manchester United conceded 54 goals in the Premier League last season, and a good part of those came from either set-piece situation or long ball arrowed towards their box. In spite of improving his aerial game, Victor Lindelof was suspect in marking strikers.
Richarlison's goal in United's 4-0 loss at Goodison Park summed up the inability of United players to defend set-pieces. Harry Maguire, with his aerial prowess, is a perfect solution for Ole to solve his defensive woes. The 26-year-old boasted the highest success rate in the aerial duels among all the Premier League defenders(78.1%).
#1 An upgrade on the current centre-backs at Man United
Leicester City's high asking price(£80-£90m) has stirred a debate surrounding Harry Maguire's quality and whether he is worth that much. Former Sheffield United defender may not be present in the top bracket yet, however, he is an upgrade on Ole's current central defensive cadre.
If the statistics are put to scale, Harry Maguire will eclipse most of those when compared to United's centre-backs. Below are some numbers registered in the Premier League to assert his status.
- Passes-1747 (2nd: Victor Lindelof-1490)
- Aerial battles won- 118 (2nd: Chris Smalling- 102)
- Clearances-152 (2nd: Victor Lindelof- 118)
- Headed Clearance- 77 (2nd: Victor Lindelof- 63)
- Duels Won- 181 (2nd: Luke Shaw- 147)
- Recoveries-195 (2nd: Victor Lindelof- 147)
