Martin Ødegaard named the ONE Man United player that is carrying Man United lately and saving them from humiliation

Arsenal skipper Martin Ødegaard has sent shockwaves through the football world with one of the boldest statements of the season, and it’s aimed straight at Manchester United. While Bruno Fernandes is often hailed as the Red Devils’ key figure, Ødegaard insists that the real backbone of the team isn’t the Portuguese playmaker—it’s none other than Harry Maguire.

Yes, the same Harry Maguire who has been mocked endlessly, stripped of the captain’s armband, and written off by pundits and fans alike. Ødegaard has now labeled him as the player keeping United afloat when everything else seems to be crumbling.

In his own words, Ødegaard was brutally honest: “People always put Fernandes forward as Manchester United’s best player, but that’s simply not true. There’s no Manchester United without this man—Harry Maguire has been saving them from humiliation.”

The remark has left fans stunned, sparking a heated debate across the Premier League. For years, Maguire was seen as a liability, often ridiculed for costly mistakes and ridiculed on social media. Yet, in recent months, he has quietly staged a remarkable turnaround. While United’s attack falters and their midfield often loses control, Maguire has risen to the challenge with commanding defensive performances, crucial interventions, and even chipping in with goals at decisive moments.

The numbers tell the story as well. United’s defensive record is significantly stronger when Maguire starts compared to when he’s absent. His aerial strength has been a constant weapon at both ends of the pitch, while his leadership—long overlooked—has helped steady a backline plagued by injuries.

Unsurprisingly, Ødegaard’s claim has divided opinions. Many United fans who once booed Maguire are reluctantly acknowledging his resurgence. Social media reactions capture the shift:

“Ødegaard just said what we’ve all been thinking—Maguire has carried us this season more than Bruno.”

“As much as people hate to admit it, Maguire has been our rock. Bruno vanishes, Maguire doesn’t.”

For rival fans, the irony is almost poetic. The same player once branded a joke is now being hailed as United’s savior. Bruno Fernandes may have the captain’s armband and the spotlight, but Ødegaard’s words expose an uncomfortable truth—without Maguire, Manchester United’s struggles could be far worse.

This revelation also raises bigger concerns about Ruben Amorim’s system. Why is United so dependent on Maguire? Why does Bruno, despite his flair, fail to consistently influence the biggest moments? And what does it say about the state of the club when their most criticized player has become their most reliable figure?

Agree with Ødegaard or not, his blunt statement has lit a fire under the football conversation. One thing is undeniable—Harry Maguire is no longer just a punchline. Right now, he’s Manchester United’s unlikely savior.