Maguire dedicates Man Utd win to Bobby Charlton after perfect reply to critics

24 October 2023 , 21:40

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Maguire dedicates Man Utd win to Bobby Charlton after perfect reply to critics

Harry Maguire dedicated Manchester United's 1-0 win over FC Copenhagen in the Champions League to the late, great Sir Bobby Charlton.

Old Trafford paid tribute to a United legend on Tuesday night, just days after it had been confirmed that Charlton passed away over the weekend at the age of 86. Charlton, who was also an England icon after playing a starring role in the Three Lions' World Cup triumph back in 1966, had been battling dementia in the years prior to his death.

Maguire was part of the United team who paid tribute to Charlton before a pivotal match, which was won courtesy of Maguire's smart second-half header and a last-gasp penalty save from the beleaguered Andre Onana.

Reaction after the match, Maguire reflected on an emotional week before paying tribute to Charlton. He told TNT Sports: " It’s one of those nights where it’s just meant to be. We were meant to win that game. That’s the win we wanted to dedicate to Sir Bobby, his family as well.

"It’s been a tough week for us, going to Sheffield United and coming away with three points isn’t easy and then the news about him passing, it affects everyone at the club, everyone in the dressing room. We’re really going to miss him and I’m happy we could get this win for him."

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Maguire impressed again against Copenhagen after putting in a Man of the Match performance against Sheffield United at the weekend. And United icon Paul Scholes was full of praise for Maguire after the game.

Join the debate! What did you make of Maguire's performance vs Copenhagen? Let us know here.

Harry Maguire dedicated Manchester United's win over FC Copenhagen to Sir Bobby Charlton (TNT Sports)

Scholes, who was analysing the match for TNT Sports, said of Maguire: "He’s never really caused any problems around the dressing room, he’s not that type of player. Tonight has been the story of two separate players that have come under scrutiny and delivered - we see the goal, a great header from Maguire, a big goal for the club.

"United weren’t at their best, we know that, but they’ve won the game and that’s what counts. These two players, him and Onana, you couldn’t pick better players that you’d more prefer to be heroes on the night and they were."

Rio Ferdinand also sang Maguire's praises, adding: "I’ve been a big critic of Harry Maguire, when he’s not been playing well, when I’ve felt his performances deserved to be critiqued. But I’m delighted that he’s shown the great character to come back like he has done. He’s now had two massive games, the Man of the Match performance against Sheffield United and tonight."

Dan Marsh