Harry Maguire heaps praise on Manchester United teammate Mason Mount
Manchester United are still alive and kicking in Europe. On May 8, Rúben Amorim’s side delivered a commanding performance at Old Trafford, defeating Athletic Club 4-1 to secure a place in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur. The emphatic win provided a much-needed boost in what has been an otherwise turbulent campaign and signalled that there is still fight left in this United squad.
The unexpected hero of the night was Mason Mount. The former Chelsea man, who has endured a nightmare season plagued by injuries, stepped off the bench to change the course of the match. Mount scored twice, including a crucial equaliser that brought United back into the game. His second strike, a long-range effort after a blunder by the Bilbao goalkeeper, was described by Bruno Fernandes as a move reminiscent of David Beckham.
Mount’s resurgence didn’t go unnoticed by his teammates. Harry Maguire took to social media, posting a photo with Mount on Instagram and captioning it with, “What a performance,” followed by an applause emoji. It was a moment of recognition for a player who has struggled to justify his £55 million move from Chelsea. Having missed 23 games this season and 27 the previous year, Mount’s United career has been marred by inconsistency and injuries.
However, in his last two games, the 26-year-old has scored three goals, showing signs of the player United thought they were signing. Beyond the goals, his performance against Athletic Bilbao carried emotional weight, representing a potential turning point for a player who had seemed lost and disconnected from the squad.
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The 2024/25 season has been a rollercoaster for Manchester United. Crashing out of the Champions League at the group stage, falling well short in the Premier League, and dealing with a slew of injuries, the team has largely relied on isolated moments rather than sustained form. Amidst the chaos, one player who has unexpectedly emerged as a key figure is Harry Maguire.
A year ago, the 32-year-old looked destined for the exit door at Old Trafford. Yet, in a season where defensive stability has been hard to come by, Maguire has stepped up, providing much-needed solidity and leadership at the back. He has played more minutes than many anticipated, anchoring a weakened backline and helping United navigate their European campaign.
Even so, the question of Maguire’s future remains unresolved. With his current contract winding down, the club must decide whether to extend his stay or look for younger, more physically reliable alternatives. While his performances have been acceptable, they do not guarantee long-term security. At 32, can United afford to keep relying on a player whose best years may already be behind him?