Harry Maguire once again silenced critics and stunned fans by playing an unexpected hero’s role in Manchester United’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semifinals on Friday, May 2, 2025 (early morning WIB). But it wasn’t just the scoreline that caught attention—it was how Maguire contributed that sparked headlines and left pundits in disbelief.
From Centre-Back to Surprise Creator
Known more for his defensive duties than flair on the flanks, Maguire delivered one of the most surprising moments of the night at San Mames Stadium. Operating unusually wide on the right, he pulled off a slick solo maneuver that instantly went viral: a spin move that completely outwitted his marker, followed by a perfectly timed cross into the box.
Thе bаll wаѕ met by a clever flісk frоm mіdfіеldеr Mаnuеl Ugаrtе, directing іt іntо thе раth оf Cаѕеmіrо, whо fіnіѕhеd wіth a commanding header tо give United a dеѕеrvеd lеаd. It was the type of play one would expect from a seasoned winger—not a central defender often criticized for lacking mobility.
“Harrydinho”? Pundits in Awe of Maguire’s Magic
The move left broadcasters and fans alike stunned. TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher couldn’t help but draw a humorous comparison between Maguire and Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s electric young winger, who had dazzled against Inter Milan in the Champions League just 24 hours earlier.
“Not your typical right winger, but he absolutely nailed it,” Fletcher exclaimed during the live broadcast. “He tried it again later—why not go past two men twice if you can? That cross was brilliant, the opportunity was massive, and it led to a vital goal for United.”
“And Casemiro’s header was clinical,” Fletcher continued. “But let’s be honest—Maguire stole that moment. A spin move on the flank, a defender sent the wrong way, and suddenly he’s turning into Lamine Yamal. You don’t expect that in a European semifinal.”
Rio Ferdinand: “Time to Renegotiate His Contract as a Forward”
Fоrmеr Mаnсhеѕtеr Unіtеd сарtаіn and nоw рundіt Rіо Ferdinand wаѕ equally floored bу Mаguіrе’ѕ unorthodox attacking dіѕрlау.
“Wow. I’m telling you, after this, he might need to renegotiate his contract and add ‘forward’ to his position,” Ferdinand joked during the post-match analysis. “You don’t see that every day from a centre-back.”
Not Maguire’s First Europa League Hero Moment
This isn’t the first time Maguire has risen to the occasion in European competition this season. As pointed out by pundit Robbie Savage, Maguire also played a key role in United’s dramatic 5-4 aggregate win over Lyon in the quarterfinals. In that match, he scored the decisive goal late in the second leg—while deployed temporarily as a central striker.
“It’s incredible. Harry Maguire, the guy who netted the winner in a 5-4 thriller, playing up front that time. Now he’s out wide like a right winger. Look at the joy on his face,” said Savage, noting the transformation in Maguire’s confidence and role within the team.
A Moment to Enjoy—and Embrace the Nicknames
After the match, Maguire was all smiles when asked about his standout moment.
“It was fun to do a bit of dribbling and whip in a cross like that,” he said in his post-match interview with TNT Sports. “We had lots of bodies in the box, so I knew someone would be there. Casemiro made a brilliant header out of it. It’s a good feeling.”
When informed that social media had nicknamed him “Harrydinho”—a cheeky nod to the legendary Ronaldinho—Maguire laughed.
“I’m sure there are plenty of nicknames for me out there,” he replied with a grin.
United One Step from the Final
The victory puts Manchester United in a commanding position ahead of the second leg, needing only to avoid a heavy defeat to book their place in the Europa League final—ironically also set to be played in Bilbao later this month.
While Bruno Fernandes added two more goals, including one from the penalty spot, it was Harry Maguire’s unexpected burst of creativity that provided the moment everyone’s talking about—a reminder that football still has room for surprises, even from the most unlikely of players.
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