Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has been widely hailed for his exemplary response to Issa Diop after the Fulham defender appeared to mess up the penalty spot.
United punched their ticket to the FA Cup semi-finals with their 3-1 comeback win over Premier League side Fulham in the quarter-finals at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic fired his side into a shock second-half lead before Marco Silva’s men suffered an epic collapse against United.
Referee Chris Kavanagh brandished three red cards inside one minute, with Mitrovic, Willian and Fulham manager Silva all dismissed during the chaotic scenes.
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Bruno Fernandes pulled back an equaliser from the spot-kick before Bayern Munich loanee Marcel Sabitzer fired United into the lead against Fulham.
United midfielder Fernandes then completed his brace in injury time to ensure the Red Devils’ place in the FA Cup semi-finals against Brighton next month.
Maguire made a rare start for United in their FA Cup tie against Fulham after falling down the defensive pecking order under Erik ten Hag this season.
The United skipper, whose long-term future at Old Trafford remains in doubt, has retained his captaincy status this season, despite losing his regular first-team place.
However, Maguire earned praise from United fans on social media after footage emerged of his fierce response to Diop during the VAR check for a penalty.
The 30-year-old United centre-back confronted Diop after the Fulham player scuffed the penalty spot, with a furious Maguire appearing to exchange a war of words with him.
“Harry’s our boy, regardless of his performances. He gives his all for the club, on and off the pitch,” one fan said in response to the footage.
Someone else commented: “Well done, Harry! Much more of that please.”
A third added: “Fair play, Maguire! Big up!”
While one Twitter user posted: “Captain Maguire stepping up for the team.”
“Fair play to Harry. Finally acting as a proper leader on the pitch with some passion,” a fifth wrote.
And a sixth tweeted: “Wow, fair play, Maguire.”
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Topics: Harry Maguire, Manchester United, Fulham, England, Football
Adnan Riaz