Former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot has compared Harry Maguire’s calming influence at Manchester United with the effect Virgil van Dijk has at Liverpool.
Maguire put in a solid and efficient display on his Premier League debut for the Red Devils on Sunday, as they beat Chelsea 4-0 at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba also starred, with the striker bagging two goals and the midfielder claiming two assitsts, but Maguire was a force at the back.
It was the kind of performance United fans have been praying for – his aerial presence, quick interceptions and ability on the ball were on full display in a game which will surely shut down any debates over his £80m transfer fee.
The same conversations were had when Van Dijk moved from Southampton to Liverpool for £75m, but the Dutchman’s influence on the Reds’ defence has only proven that you get what you pay for.
And Melchiot believes United can expect great things from Maguire, and also likened him to an Old Trafford legend.
Speaking on Monday’s Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, the ex-Chelsea star said: “Maguire brings that calmness Man United were looking for, he definitely brought it in this game.
“It’s the same when we were talking about Van Dijk – Liverpool were all over the place, but when he came he brought calmness.
“If Maguire can bring that to Man United…
“He has that aura around him that brings calmness, a bit like what Rio Ferdinand had when he came to Old Trafford.
“Players with that ability and quality, they have to bring calmness, and if Maguire can hold onto that everybody at Manchester United will benefit from it.”
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