Harry Maguire sends heartwarming message to Man Utd staff, team-mates and fans after winning Premier League Player of the Month

The centre-back capped a brilliant return to form to be named the league's best player for November as voted for by fans and a panel of experts. Maguire becomes the first defender to win the prize since Liverpool's Joel Matip in February last year. Receiving the award, a clearly-delighted Maguire was quick to thank those who helped him overcome a period where he was deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.

"Player of the Month," posted a beaming Maguire clutching the award on Instagram. "Couldn’t of done it without my team mates, the staff and you fans. Your love and support doesn’t go unnoticed, I appreciate it."

There's much to admire about Maguire's gritty resurgence. The 30-year-old was stripped of the club captaincy as manager Erik ten Hag made it plain he did not figure in first-team plans. Reduced to a bit part and cruelly jeered by opposing fans during his rare appearances on the field, Maguire remained stoic and has taken advantage of United's injury crisis to win his place back in the team. The defender has arguably become the side's most in-form player in the process as the Premier League award underlines.

United have an opportunity to draw level on points, at least temporarily, with rivals Manchester City with a win against in-form Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Saturday. Maguire will no doubt continue at the heart of Ten Hag's defence.