It’s been exactly one month since Harry Maguire was confirmed as Manchester United’s club captain.
And when you’re captain of one of the biggest clubs in the world, that comes with great responsibility.
But Maguire was perhaps fortunate to not get sent off for kicking Michy Batshuayi in the early stages of Man United’s trip to Chelsea on Monday night, a game the Red Devils must not lose.
Both Maguire and Batshuayi were chasing the ball which the defender just about made, however, he slid off the field of play while making the clearance.
Batshuayi’s momentum took him towards Maguire and although the England international’s feet were already in the air, he appeared to extend his right leg which caught the Belgian in the nether regions.
The Chelsea bench were animated in the immediate aftermath of the incident but the situation diffused very quickly.
Maguire was not even booked by referee Anthony Taylor, but was he fortunate to not be given a red card? Below you can see a video of the incident.
It’s very similar to an incident which saw Tottenham star Heung-min Son sent off for kicking Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger. Taylor was officiating that game and sent Son off for the challenge.
And there seems to be an agreement that Maguire is fortunate to still be on the pitch with Jamie Carragher telling Sky Sports the Man United player is a ‘very lucky boy’.
Meanwhile, Man United legend Roy Keane said: “I think it’s a red card. I think Harry Maguire’s personality has helped him. I think they do look at the package.”
The Red Devils are currently 1-0 up at Stamford Bridge thanks to Anthony Martial’s header on the stroke of half time.
