When Manchester United signed Harry Maguire, back in the summer transfer window of 2019, the England international was widely mocked due to his staggering, world-record price tag of £80million.
It wasn't his fault, of course. Jose Mourinho had wanted him 12 months previously and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, like his predecessor, was a huge admirer. In the end, despite knowing they were spending over the odds, the Red Devils opted to do the deal - making Maguire their prized defensive asset in the process.
Maguire's time at Old Trafford started well. He flourished on his debut against Chelsea, with United securing a dramatic 4-0 win over Frank Lampard's side. Marcus Rashford bagged a brace, Anthony Martial and Daniel James also struck and Solskjaer, it seemed, was on the path to restoring the team to the heights of old.
In the years since, however, Maguire has found himself becoming somewhat of a poster boy for the club's struggles.
He has won two trophies with United, with both pieces of silverware - the Carabao Cup and FA Cup - coming under Erik ten Hag.
But Maguire wasn't always first-choice. He even lost the captaincy to Bruno Fernandes, with Ten Hag proceeding to make him more of a rotational player than Solskjaer.
During the Dutchman's stint at the helm, Maguire often found himself on the bench. Players such as Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt and Raphael Varane were often picked ahead of him and, when Leny Yoro arrived 12 months ago, his time seemed to be up.
Fast-forward to now, however, and the 32-year-old is making the headlines for all the right reasons.
Harry Maguire headed Manchester United to a 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday
|PA
Maguire typifies English spirit and resilience. He is someone who has had to overcome plenty of adversity throughout his career - and plenty of abuse and mockery as well.
Never once has he shied away, however. And now, in the wake of Sunday's defeat to Liverpool, he looks destined to become a key player for manager Ruben Amorim as the fallen giants hunt a first league crown since 2013.
On Sunday, when he was selected ahead of Yoro, supporters on social media were furious.
Many expressed a belief that his lack of pace, a rare flaw in his game, would be exposed by Alexander Isak. There was also a trail of thought he'd struggle when going up against the likes of Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah as well.
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Harry Maguire with a MASSIVE header to send the away end wild! 😱 pic.twitter.com/moUtr2aDsj
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 19, 2025
But the United star stood tall amid the heat of the battle. It was, without a doubt, a sublime performance from the England international.
On a couple of occasions, his lack of pace was exposed. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens, making just his second appearance for the club, was able to deny Isak - while Gakpo struck the woodwork on three occasions.
Yet Maguire kept his head. At the end of the game, he then used it.
When Liverpool equalised through Gakpo, it seemed as though they'd go on to secure victory. With the crowd on their side, the prospect of a United win appeared remote.
Harry Maguire was the hero for Manchester United against Liverpool on Sunday
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However, Amorim's men didn't read the script. And Maguire, who is formidable in both boxes, ended up heading the team to one of their biggest victories in recent years.
Many others have shied away from their responsibilites at Old Trafford in recent years. A lack of big characters, certainly, has been behind their deepening decline.
Maguire isn't one of them. When he plays, he gives his all. He leads from the front. He puts his body in the way. He is, now, somebody who must stay in the team if United are to enjoy any form of success this term.
At his lowest points, the abuse crossed a line. In April 2022, Cheshire Police were forced to conduct a search of his house following a bomb threat. Fortunately, no suspicious items were found.
Harry Maguire has admitted 'it's nice to have one over Liverpool' after heading Manchester United to a dramatic 2-1 win at Anfield on Sunday | GETTYMaguire deserves every piece of praise coming his way. Englishmen stand up tall and, on Sunday, he did exactly that and more.
Speaking after the fictory, meanwhile, the centre-back said: "It means everything. They had had the better of us over the last few years and it's not been good for our club.
"We have not given our fans enough days like today, so it has been a long time coming, coming to this ground and picking up three points.
"It is not just three points to the club and to the boys.
"I have been coming to this ground for seven years now and to not get three points have been tough. It's for the fans and I hope they had a great night tonight.
"It is nice to have one over Liverpool. Football is all about memories and making special memories.
"I am sure all the fans will go home with memories, we will all go home happy."