Harry Maguire's condition just hours before Arsenal clash emerges and it speaks volumes about Man Utd star
Harry Maguire put in a star performance as Manchester United defeated Arsenal on penalties to reach the FA Cup fourth round - and the defender's condition before the match has now been revealed.
The England centre-back has had a series of impressive performances since new manager Ruben Amorim arrived at United, with Maguire playing in the centre of a back three under the Portuguese boss.
He played 103 minutes at the Emirates Stadium before being substituted, with United then going on to win on penalties.
Maguire had given away the penalty that led to Arsenal equalising the game at 1-1 during normal time, but appeared to have made little to no contact with Kai Havertz and referee Andy Madley received criticism for giving the spot kick.
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That was technically the only blot on what was another strong copybook for the 30-year-old - and his performance has been made even more impressive after further details emerged post-match.
Speaking on The Athletic's 'Talk of the Devils' podcast, journalist Andy Mitten has revealed that Maguire was ill leading up to the Arsenal game, and even spent the Friday and Saturday in bed as he recovered.
However, the defender 'really wanted' to play in the game and was named in the starting XI by Amorim.
After the game, United boss Amorim spoke of his pride over the way his entire team played in north London: "We had the feeling that everything in the end would be okay - I felt that since the beginning of the second half.
"Even after the penalty, I felt that and I think the Arsenal team maybe felt that today wouldn't be their day.
"But I'm really pleased for the way we controlled the game without the ball and with set-pieces, we were really strong.
"Especially in the first half, we played better than in the first game. We were better in set-pieces today, more aggressive. We showed spirit, even with 10 men."
Topics: Harry Maguire, FA Cup, Man Utd
Ryan Smart