This archive report was first published on 5 August 2019.
Manchester United's new defender, Harry Maguire, has made headlines for his record-breaking transfer from Leicester City. The 26-year-old England central defender signed for a reported £80 million ($97 million) on Monday.
Maguire's impressive skills on the field are matched by his academic prowess. According to his former schoolteacher, Sue Cain, Maguire was a remarkable pupil who always worked hard and had a good attitude.
"He was never in any trouble and he had such a good attitude. He did everything you asked him to do and he never questioned why. He was a popular lad," Cain said in an interview with the Derbyshire Times.
Maguire's academic abilities were evident in his GCSEs, where he achieved A and A grades. His former schoolteacher believed he would have excelled in a career in accountancy.
Maguire's football career began in midfield, but he was switched to central defence by Sheffield United academy manager John Pemberton. Pemberton recognized Maguire's ability to bring the ball out of defence, which made him stand out.
Maguire's idols were John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, who he admired for their ability to bring the ball out of defence. Ferdinand was particularly influential in Maguire's development as a player.
Maguire's first international get-together in 2017 was memorable for all the wrong reasons. He arrived with his belongings in a bin bag, which sparked a humorous reaction on social media.
However, Maguire took the joke in good spirit and explained that the bin bag contained only his dirty boots and shin pads. He emphasized the importance of staying humble and letting his ability do the talking.
