Luke Shaw took the Man of the Match award, while Dean Henderson enjoyed a fairly serene evening in goal, but both owed a debt of gratitude to Maguire, who the Times described as
“imperious”
at the heart of United's defence.
There was a dramatic block to deny a Jarrod Bowen shot in the second period, and numerous headers and clearances, as United restricted the Hammers to very little attacking joy throughout.
But perhaps Maguire's most valuable contribution to the team was one that TV audiences might not have picked up: his encouragement and leadership.