Warhorse Harry Maguire led the way from the back as Manchester United showed an abundance of character beating Arsenal on penalties in the FA Cup.

Attentiveness, aggression and resilience was the theme as Manchester United beat Arsenal on penalties in the third round of the FA Cup, defending valiantly for over an hour with 10-men, unsurprisingly, led by maestro Maguire.

Under Ruben Amorim, United have been leaning towards his favoured 3-5-2 formation, and have started Lisandro Martinez and Mattew De Ligt either side of Maguire in their last two encounters, against Premier League high-flyers Arsenal and Liverpool.

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United have spent hundreds of millions in the post Sir-Alex era and are yet to have a back four or three in Amiron’s case, which they are happy with.

Around £100million was spent on defenders Leny Yoro and De Ligt last summer and following years of searching for the ‘modern day, pacey, ball playing’ centre half, United have circled back to one player - Harry Maguire.

Upon the triggering of his United triggering his one-year extension clause, Maguire said: "I’m happy to be here. I want this club to be back fighting for titles and not fighting where we are in the table right now."

Amiron’s faith is reaping rewards. Despite the farcical penalty that was awarded against him against Arsenal, Maguire blocked the ball five times, not being dribbled past once, winning seven of his eight duels. A Stalwart, some would say.

This performance was no outlier, Maguire looks revitalised this season, averaging 2.67 interceptions per 90, being in the 100th percentile, reading the game expertly.

The 6’4 centre-half is shutting up his naysayers, and this should be to no surprise; being the centrepiece of a back three is something Maguire thrived on under Gareth Southgate for England.

Perhaps it’s time to see him back into the England squad. German native Thomas Tuchel has several options at the back, but who is better than the veteran Maguire?