It is exactly one year ago that Harry Maguire was confirmed as Manchester United’s new captain.
His first game was a 2-0 defeat at Liverpool that left United 30 points behind their historic rivals. Today they return to Anfield top of the Premier League with their celebrated defender an essential part of the rebuild, overcoming tribulations along the way.
There are similarities with Jordan Henderson, Liverpool’s title-winning skipper. Like his England colleague, Maguire has more gifted team-mates around him, but nobody as motivational or reliable.
It’s no coincidence he has played more minutes in the past 12 months than any outfield player in Europe.