'A transformational footballer' - Harry Maguire receives surprise apology from Ghanaian MP that mocked Man Utd defender for 'assisting opponents'

Isaac Adongo, MP for Ghana's National Democratic Congress (NDC), referred to Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the "Economic Maguire" back in December 2022, in reference to budgetary mismanagement by Bawumia's New Patriotic Party. Adongo also claimed Maguire was guilty of "assisting opponents" on the pitch, but has now addressed his previous comments and apologised for them, while insisting that the United star has "turned the corner".

The MP told parliament on Wednesday: "You remember that last year I was very quick to call my big brother, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Harry Maguire. Mr Speaker, I now apologise to Harry Maguire... Today, Maguire has turned the corner and is a transformational footballer. Maguire is now scoring goals for Manchester United. Mr Speaker, Harry Maguire is now a key player for Manchester United.”

Indeed, it has been a significant few months for the United defender. Having rarely featured at all for manager Erik ten Hag last campaign - the time of Adongo's initial jibe - the England international has benefited from the plethora of defensive injuries that have hit the Red Devils squad. Maguire has gone on to play the full 90 minutes in United's last five league outings, although it remains to be seen how he will fare going forward given the positive injury news regarding Luke Shaw.

While Shaw is set to return earlier than expected, centre-half Lisandro Martinez isn't due back until the new year. Should he displace Maguire in defence before the close of the January window, Maguire could once again be linked with a move away from the club - especially with a potential Euro 2024 spot on the line.