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Harry Maguire will be a leader at Manchester United, says Rio Ferdinand

Man United legend Ferdinand backs Harry Maguire to thrive

The world’s most expensive defender is under pressure to succeed at Old Trafford.

HARRY MAGUIRE HAS been handed the Number 5 shirt at Manchester United and a famous former owner of the jersey, Rio Ferdinand, is sure the England defender will thrive despite the expectations at Old Trafford.

After a saga lasting for the much of the close season, Maguire’s move to United was finally confirmed on Monday.

The former Hull City and Sheffield United centre-back is reported to have become the world’s most expensive defender, with United said to have paid Leicester City an £80million transfer fee.

Despite the pressure that comes with such a fee, United great Ferdinand believes Maguire will more than live up to the billing.

“Is there pressure? Yes. Is there expectation from across the world? Definitely. Are all eyes on me [after being the subject of a record-breaking transfer]? 100 per cent,” Ferdinand, who became the most expensive British footballer when he signed for United from Leeds United in 2002, wrote on Instagram.

“Will your team-mates be expecting big things? Of course. Will people be expecting a massive change in the team’s fortune? Most definitely.

“These were the feelings and questions that were surrounding me when signing for the great club United.

“He’s grown into someone who can lead and be a leader of men, and shown at both ends of the pitch he can be effective.

“I think something United have needed defensively in recent years is a big character who can take on the responsibility of leading from the back and, from what I’ve heard from people who know him well, they are confident that he will bring that to this football club.

“I would like to wish him well in the No.5 shirt of United and hope he can help bring back success to our club.”

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    Mute Danny o' brien
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    Sep 27th 2014, 10:37 AM

    Looks like they are going to tear lumps out of eachother! Can’t wait to see it

    78
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    Mute Dave O'Keeffe
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    Sep 27th 2014, 11:09 AM

    Yes, at around 4am is my guess

    39
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    Mute paidi carmody
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    Sep 27th 2014, 11:10 AM

    Cheers lad

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    Mute Michael Coughlan
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    Sep 27th 2014, 11:05 AM

    Mcgregor and Poirer playing the crowd really well for this!..Two good fighters who know how to sell tickets!..big pay day in store for both..going to be a great fight as well!!

    38
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    Mute Oisín O'Connor
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    Sep 27th 2014, 10:09 AM

    Throw the flag on the ground. Classy.

    27
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    Mute John Tolan
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    Sep 27th 2014, 11:57 AM

    Keyboard warrior #classy

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    Mute Oisín O'Connor
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    Sep 27th 2014, 2:46 PM

    I’m sorry, forgot about the hero-worshipping bandwagon I’m supposed to be on. I’ll only make inanely trivial comments from now on so that nobody calls me a keyboard warrior and the masses of fanboys don’t red thumb me.

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    Mute Emmett Croker
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    Sep 27th 2014, 2:53 PM

    Sounds like a decent plan

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    Mute Noggy
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    Sep 27th 2014, 2:58 PM

    100% with you Oisin

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    Mute Gary
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    Sep 27th 2014, 3:31 PM

    Oisin + Noggy, the problem in this country is, if you don’t follow GAA or Soccer and adhere to the masses, then morons (not calling either of you morons) can’t help but criticise and put down the less followed sports like MMA. I follow rugby and MMA and only comment on those two sports and keep my opinions of other sports to myself. It’s a basic show of respect that lacks greatly among a fair few people that comment on sports articles.

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    Mute Oisín O'Connor
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    Sep 27th 2014, 4:54 PM

    That’s fair enough Gary and I agree with you on the mainstream sports point. I only have a passing interest in MMA – I’m not attacking it and my issue with disrespect of the flag as nothing to do with MMA directly. I’d make the same point about Robbie, BOD, Gooch, Katie, Harrington, Sonia if they threw the tricolour on the floor like that. Or any non-sports person for that matter.

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    Mute John Tupper
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    Sep 27th 2014, 11:31 PM

    The morality is just nauseating. How about the adrenaline? Think this one through oisin. He brings tri colour out on shoulders throws it to the ground in an effort to disrespect it? Indeed. Build a bridge and get over it….. analysis paralysis and every move pro sports people make. it’s too much sometimes

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    Mute paidi carmody
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    Sep 27th 2014, 11:08 AM

    What time will this be on in Ireland and will it be on BT Sport?

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    Mute alandel
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    Sep 27th 2014, 5:08 PM

    Oh man I literally can not wait for this fight ! Loving the hype . McGregor is a master showman which is why he has this level of exposure after his third UFC fight. For those that don’t like him there’s a simple solution, don’t read the post and don’t watch the fight! Nobody is forcing ye to. It’s that simple really.

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    Mute Noggy
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    Sep 27th 2014, 2:44 PM

    Muppet

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    Mute gary gorman
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    Sep 27th 2014, 8:55 PM

    surly you guys have seen conor before , he hoists the flag and shows it with pride , im sure today the blood was flowing and thats the only reason he threw it .

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