Harry Maguire 'channels inner Lamine Yamal' in dazzling wing-play for first goal

In a moment of unexpected brilliance, Manchester United’s Harry Maguire transformed into an unlikely hero on the right flank during their Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao.

The towering centre-back, often criticized for his lack of agility, channeled the flair of Barcelona’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal to orchestrate United’s opening goal in northern Spain.

Defying his robust physique, Maguire found himself in an unfamiliar role on the wing.

With a display of nimble footwork, he danced past his Bilbao marker, weaving in and out with a series of deft jinks that left the defender reeling.

The £85 million defender, who previously proved his clutch instincts with a dramatic quarter-final winner as an emergency striker, showcased his versatility once more.

After bamboozling his opponent, Maguire delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, justifying his hefty price tag with a moment of magic.

Midfielder Manuel Ugarte cleverly flicked the ball on, setting up Casemiro for a free header at the back post to break the deadlock.

The goal, a testament to Maguire’s audacious contribution, ignited United’s hopes in a crucial match. TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher couldn’t resist drawing parallels to Yamal’s dazzling performance against Inter Milan just 24 hours earlier, where the 17-year-old tormented defenders.

Fletcher quipped, “Maguire… not your typical right winger, but he’s thriving out there. Why beat him once when you can do it twice? It’s a brilliant cross… and Casemiro finishes it superbly. That twisting and turning from Maguire—he’s been taking notes from Lamine Yamal!”

The moment underscored Maguire’s growing importance to Ruben Amorim’s squad, despite United’s 14th-place Premier League struggles.

Facing pressure to deliver Europa League success, Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system benefited from Maguire’s adaptability.

Afterwards Maguire said: "Listen, the first 20 minutes were difficult, we were a bit nervous, the crowd was super loud. The tie’s not done, we’ll be focused and Old Trafford will be like this place next week.

"It was nice to do a bit of dribbling out there and put in a great cross. It was nice feeling and there was plenty of bodies in there. They must have trusted me to find them and Casa put it in.

"A clinical first half, professional second half. We had chances but we maybe played it too safe, We could have played at a quicker tempo.

"It’s a great start. All the pressure is on us because everyone will expect us to win now. Next Thursday we need to prepare well and give ourselves a great opportunity. One foot in the final but still not done."

At the same time, while Maguire’s heroics offer hope, United’s reliance on such unorthodox contributions highlights their attacking frailties, with only 38 league goals this season. As United chase a £100 million Europa League windfall, Maguire’s Yamal-inspired magic could prove pivotal.