Harry Maguire strides into the hushed surroundings of the SLS Hotel reception sporting retro-style Adidas Originals Manchester United T-shirt and shorts. Maguire’s form last season was a throwback to the United centre backs of yore.
Playing through the pain barrier, doubling as an auxiliary striker and tallying an impressive four goals marked a commendable comeback season that began with Maguire losing the captaincy and ungrateful fans booing him in Dublin.
In that final pre-season friendly at the Aviva Stadium, Maguire overcame from the catcalls to tee up Facundo Pellistri for an added-time equaliser. Maguire was similarly dominant nodding the ball on for Scott McTominay in that raucous finale against Brentford two months later.
The 31-year-old has fully recovered from the calf problem that sidelined him for two months and Maguire is scheduled to play against Arsenal in Los Angeles on Saturday. He endured the “toughest moment of my career” in missing the FA Cup final and the European Championship.