From Defender to Winger: How 'Harrydinho' Transformed Man Utd's Europa League Campaign

Discover how Harry Maguire's unexpected winger role, dubbed 'Harrydinho,' inspired Manchester United's dominant Europa League performance.

It's fair to say the Europa League is bringing out the very best in Harry Maguire. After the Manchester United defender's dramatic 121st-minute winner as a makeshift forward against Lyon in the quarter-finals, Maguire produced a piece of magic to set his team on their way to a 3-0 victory at Athletic Club in the first leg of their semi-final tie.

Maguire's dribbling skills and cross - that ended with Casemiro heading the Premier League club in front - were even likened to Brazilian legend Ronaldinho. So much so that the 32-year-old was labelled 'Harrydinho' on social media after United took a huge step towards reaching the Europa League final, which will be held at the same San Mames stadium in Bilbao.

"The shimmy, the chops, I had to look twice!," said former Tottenham winger Andros Townsend on BBC Radio 5 Live.

The game was 29 minutes old when Maguire went all Ronaldinho to silence the home fans. With Mikel Jauregizar in front of him, United's number five went to the right, stopped, turned one way and then the next, then started up again, going past his opponent and delivering the cross. Manuel Ugarte flicked it on and Casemiro arrived to nod into the net.

"What a winger! I don't think he even knew he had that in his locker," said Maguire's captain Bruno Fernandes, who increased United's advantage from the penalty spot before adding a third before half-time to give his side a handsome first-leg lead.

"Harry is a much more confident man now. When he is playing, his position is becoming more strong, he is a very good leader and we hope he keeps improving."

Speaking on 5 Live, former United defender Phil Jones added: "I didn't know he had it in him. To be honest I never saw it in training but fair play, great ball in."

United boss Ruben Amorim also joined in the praise for the club's former captain Maguire. "Sometimes there are moments in our life and Harry has had difficult moments," said the Portuguese. "Everything he does is good for the team, so we have to enjoy."

And what about Maguire himself on that piece of trickery? "I found myself attacking the back post, I think [Alejandro] Garna passed me the ball, it was nice to do a bit of dribbling and put in a great cross," he said. "We had a lot of bodies in the box and they must have trusted me to put in the cross. It was a nice feeling and it was a great header in the end."

What to Read Next

Gary Neville's Tense Anticipation for the Europa League Final: A Manchester United Legend's Perspective
Football

Gary Neville's Tense Anticipation for the Europa League Final: A Manchester United Legend's Perspective

Gary Neville shares his apprehensive yet hopeful feelings about Manchester United's upcoming Europa League final against Tottenham, emphasizing the high stakes and potential financial impact.

Critical Decision Ahead: Amorim's Goalkeeper Dilemma at Manchester United
Football

Critical Decision Ahead: Amorim's Goalkeeper Dilemma at Manchester United

Amorim faces a tough choice between Onana and Bayindir as Manchester United prepares for a crucial Europa League quarter-final. Discover the implications of this decision.

Postecoglou Defends Tottenham’s Europa League Journey: 'Spurs Does Crazy Things to People'
Football

Postecoglou Defends Tottenham’s Europa League Journey: 'Spurs Does Crazy Things to People'

Ange Postecoglou defends Tottenham's Europa League qualification amidst criticism, highlighting the passion and unpredictability of the club.

The Emotional Farewell: A Lifelong Man Utd Fan's Struggle with Season Ticket Changes
Football

The Emotional Farewell: A Lifelong Man Utd Fan's Struggle with Season Ticket Changes

An 81-year-old Manchester United fan shares his emotional journey and the impact of losing his cherished season ticket seat after decades of loyalty.

Manchester United's Summer Transfer Strategy: Osimhen, Cunha, and More
Football

Manchester United's Summer Transfer Strategy: Osimhen, Cunha, and More

Manchester United has identified Victor Osimhen as their top summer transfer target, with plans to secure Matheus Cunha and other key players.

Why Manchester United Remains a Dream Destination for Top Football Talent
Football

Why Manchester United Remains a Dream Destination for Top Football Talent

Discover why Manchester United continues to attract top football talent despite challenges, as Ruben Amorim shares insights on the club's future plans.

Man Utd vs Tottenham: The Epic Europa League Final Showdown
Football

Man Utd vs Tottenham: The Epic Europa League Final Showdown

Manchester United and Tottenham clash in the Europa League final, with both teams aiming to salvage their seasons with European glory.

Marcus Rashford's Future at Manchester United: A Strategic Wait
Football

Marcus Rashford's Future at Manchester United: A Strategic Wait

Explore Marcus Rashford's strategic approach to his future at Manchester United amidst transfer speculations and his impactful loan at Aston Villa.

Kjetil Knutsen's Future at Bodo/Glimt Amid Leeds United Interest
Football

Kjetil Knutsen's Future at Bodo/Glimt Amid Leeds United Interest

Bodo/Glimt remains confident in retaining coach Kjetil Knutsen despite interest from Leeds United and other clubs, as they prepare for the Europa League semi-final.

Postecoglou Addresses Tottenham's Challenges and Champions Positive Culture Amidst Criticism
Football

Postecoglou Addresses Tottenham's Challenges and Champions Positive Culture Amidst Criticism

Ange Postecoglou discusses the challenges at Tottenham Hotspur, emphasizing the need for a positive culture and focus on winning amidst ongoing criticism.

Key Lessons from Arsenal's Defeat to PSG in Champions League Semi-Final
Football

Key Lessons from Arsenal's Defeat to PSG in Champions League Semi-Final

Analyzing Arsenal's tactical challenges and key learnings from their 1-0 loss to PSG in the Champions League semi-final.

Revolutionizing Football: Arsene Wenger's Offside Rule Proposal for Enhanced Attacking Play
Football

Revolutionizing Football: Arsene Wenger's Offside Rule Proposal for Enhanced Attacking Play

Explore Arsene Wenger's innovative proposal to modify the offside rule, aiming to boost attacking dynamics and counterbalance the VAR's influence in modern football.

Manchester United Eyes Jonathan Tah as Transfer Race Heats Up - Latest Football Gossip
Football

Manchester United Eyes Jonathan Tah as Transfer Race Heats Up - Latest Football Gossip

Manchester United is in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah, competing with top European clubs. Explore the latest football transfer gossip and updates.

Celtic's Semi-Final Victory: A Gateway to European Dreams for Scottish Premiership Clubs
Football

Celtic's Semi-Final Victory: A Gateway to European Dreams for Scottish Premiership Clubs

Explore how Celtic's semi-final win could secure European spots for multiple Scottish Premiership clubs, enhancing their football season.

Premier League Clash Rescheduled: Aston Villa vs Tottenham Spurs Ahead of Europa League Final
Football

Premier League Clash Rescheduled: Aston Villa vs Tottenham Spurs Ahead of Europa League Final

The Premier League game between Aston Villa and Tottenham Spurs has been rescheduled to accommodate Spurs' potential Europa League final preparation.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.