Harry Maguire earns a surprising new nickname after a standout performance in Manchester United's crucial Europa League victory in Spain.
Manchester United have been handed a timely lift in their turbulent season and came courtesy of an unlikely source of Harry Maguire, now affectionately dubbed “Harrydinho” by delighted fans.
The towering center-back produced a moment of unexpected magic in United’s emphatic 3-0 Europa League semi-final first-leg win over Athletic Club in Bilbao.
Maguire turned heads when he channeled his inner Ronaldinho in the 29th minute of Thursday’s game.
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Athletic’s Mikel Jauregizar had attempted to block his advance, and Maguire unleashed a flurry of shimmies and stepovers before delivering a pinpoint cross into the box.
A clever flick-on by Manuel Ugarte found Casemiro, who nodded United into the lead — and set social media alight.
Fans were quick to christen the 32-year-old “Harrydinho” in homage to Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, and the nickname has struck a chord with the man himself.
“Brilliant… I’m sure there’s a few nicknames out there for me,” Maguire told TNT Sports post-match with a grin as per Goal “But the win was more important.”
The moment was a symbol of Maguire’s renaissance. Once a lightning rod for criticism and demoted from his captaincy under Erik ten Hag, Maguire is now showing signs of renewed confidence under new boss Ruben Amorim — and his teammates are taking notice.
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“Harry is a much more confident man now,” said stand-in skipper Bruno Fernandes, who added a second from the penalty spot before making it 3-0 before halftime as per BBC.
“When he is playing, his position is becoming stronger. He’s a very good leader and we hope he keeps improving.”
Even former teammates were stunned. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex-United defender Phil Jones admitted, “I didn’t know he had it in him. To be honest, I never saw that in training — but fair play, great ball in.”
Former Tottenham winger Andros Townsend was equally astonished. “The shimmy, the chops — I had to look twice!” he exclaimed.
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United’s commanding win puts them in a strong position to reach the final, which will be held at the same San Mames stadium in Bilbao.
“I found myself attacking the back post, I think [Alejandro] Garnacho passed me the ball,” he said.
“It was nice to do a bit of dribbling and put in a great cross. We had a lot of bodies in the box — they must have trusted me!”
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United manager Ruben Amorim praised Maguire’s resilience and evolution, saying: “Sometimes there are moments in our life and Harry has had difficult moments. Everything he does is good for the team, so we have to enjoy.”