Rio Ferdinand and Peter Crouch laud ‘great example’ Harry Maguire for ‘character and personality’ after Europa League heroics for Manchester United

Harry Maguire's reputation is at an all-time high after his superb performance in Manchester United's incredible 3-0 win over Athletic Club in a UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg at San Mames. Maguire has had to overcome plenty of adversity in almost six years at Old Trafford, but appears to have regained his confidence following an accomplished display in Bilbao on Thursday night.

Rio Ferdinand and Peter Crouch lauded Harry Maguire for the ways in which the Manchester United defender has recovered from adversity in recent weeks.

The 32-year-old’s reputation has soared following his role in Casemiro's opener in a stunning 3-0 UEFA Europa League semi-final first-leg win over Athletic Club on Thursday.

It was a result which few saw coming and gives United a golden opportunity to progress into the final and win a major trophy, salvaging what has been a dismal domestic campaign.

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Ruben Amorim’s side will record the club’s lowest-ever points tally and are almost certain to register their lowest-ever Premier League finish.

Maguire has been a synonymous figure for United’s woes in recent years, and Ferdinand expressed his admiration for the defender after biding his time at the club when an exit from Old Trafford appeared to be inevitable.

He told TNT Sports: "When you see what he's had to go through at Manchester United, he's been ridiculed, sometimes laughed at and he's been made the butt of a lot of jokes.

"The character and personality he's shown to withstand that and stay there when many people were saying 'he might as well just go'. I probably would've said he should've gone for his own mental health.

"He's stayed there, and he's shown [what happens] if you work hard, knuckle down and go, 'you know what, I'm good enough to be here, and I'm going to wait for my next chance, and I'm going to take it.' He's a great example."

'He was out the door' - Hutchison praises resilient Maguire after Athletic win

Video credit: TNT Sports

Crouch echoed those sentiments and feels Maguire is rediscovering his mojo from the centre-back’s earlier days with Hull City and Leicester City.

"I remember playing against him when he was at Hull, and then he went to Leicester. That's what he used to do, he was full of confidence, he used to run, come out with the ball," Crouch explained.

"He did it for England, and he's suffered from a lack of confidence. He's gaining that back, and he's always been comfortable with the ball.

"He was getting it [criticism] from all angles, and he's always been a good player, and he's never shirked responsibility.

"You're seeing the character come through now and the player he's become again."

Ruben Amorim’s side play their second leg against Athletic Club at Old Trafford on Thursday – live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

'Finished off quite brilliantly' - Casemiro heads United in front after 'magnificent' Maguire skill

Video credit: TNT Sports

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'He's a good winger!' - Amorim hails Maguire for attacking contribution in Athletic win

Video credit: TNT Sports

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