Ruben Amorim has unlocked one particular Harry Maguire trait which Ole Gunnar Solskjær demanded back in 2021 and it is hugely beneficial to Manchester United.
Since Ruben Amorim took over as the Manchester United manager, goalscoring has been one of the biggest concerns for the side, and has often kept them from winning games.
The Reds scored a disappointing 44 goals in the Premier League last season, with their two strikers, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund, notching only seven goals combined.
To combat this, the Reds spent the vast majority of their summer war-chest on reinforcing their forward department, which they are just starting to reap the rewards from.
One player who has surprisingly popped up with a few goals under the Portuguese coach is Harry Maguire, who was actually urged to do so by Ole Gunnar Solskjær in 2021.
Solskjær’s wish for Maguire goals
Back in 2021, Maguire was urged by his Norwegian manager at the time to try and contribute with more goals for his side, as per the Manchester Evening News.
“Harry knows we want more from him with the goal tally, too many times the ball flies over the bar,” the ex-United player and boss said.
Despite playing as a centre-back, Maguire has always posed a fantastic aerial threat due to his height, as he stands at a whopping 6ft 4in.
Under the management of Solskjær, Maguire managed to notch six goals in 121 appearances, making it one goal every 1,810 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.
This is very different to Maguire’s goal record under the new management of Amorim, where he has already scored five in 39 appearances, making it one goal every 532 minutes.
Maguire’s growing importance
Whether it be crucial winners in Europa League semi-finals or at Anfield, Maguire has shown his importance to United over the past year.
Aside from his crucial goalscoring ability late in fixtures, the English centre-back has been solid for the Reds under Amorim and has led by example on numerous occasions.
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With Amorim setting his defence up in a 3-4-2-1, it allows for the role of a central centre-back, which suits Maguire down to the ground, as it somewhat nullifies his lack of pace, leaving him less exposed.
Both Maguire and his United side have been growing in confidence lately, with improved results on the field that they will be hopeful to continue in the coming weeks.
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