We owe this man an apology

"I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance."

That's what Jesus said, and although he was aiming at something quite different than sports and its passionate supporters, for sure, we can't but think of that thought this morning after seeing another remarkable performance of once-proscribed Manchester United star Harry Maguire.

For years, he has been severely criticised by the Red Devils' fanbase, pundits, and press, including this website. And - let's be honest - it was happening for a reason: Maguirre's sluggish performances, embellished with some unbelievable mistakes.

However, things have changed rapidly in the last few weeks and months, as the former Leicester City centre-back showcased his unique skills and character.

That has been especially visible in the UEFA Europa League, where he almost singlehandedly pushed United from the brink of the abyss straight to the verge of the final.

After that sensational late extra-time winner against Olympique Lyon in the quarter-final, when he was deployed as an additional striker basically, Harry pulled off another jaw-dropping display last night at Bilbao.

The venue, which will host the UEL showdown in less than a month, witnessed another proof of Maguire's sublime versatility. This time, Ruben Amorim allowed (or maybe even asked him to) Maguire to act as an additional midfielder on the right-hand side, which resulted in a night to remember for the entire Manchester United fanbase.

Not only did he manage to cover all of his defensive assignments against anything but the toothless Williams brothers (Nico and Inaki), but Maguire acted as a high-flying midfielder and winger. That was blatantly visible against poor Daniel Vivian of Athletic Bilbao, who simply couldn't get a hold of flawless Maguire on that right wing.

It was the United's centre-back who ran riots there during the first half as Maguire himself kickstarted the action for Casemiro's opener by dribbling past Vivian as if he was a dazzling winger and not the other way around.

In truth, Maguire also flirted seriously with a red card in the second half after that controversial call following his slight tackle on Bilbao's forward, which was probably the reason Amorim subbed him off shortly after.

UEL: Bilbao's tragedy is coloured red! United are knocking on the final's door!

Still, the Portuguese coach was full of praise for Maguire and his other experienced players after such an incredible away win.

Amorim was full of praise for his senior players for providing a calming influence.

He told TNT Sports: "You can feel that, especially in the beginning, players like Ugarte, who had a lot of experience, were a bit nervous, as was Patrick Dorgu.

"This kind of players like Casemiro, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes help a lot."

And all of a sudden, after years of mockery on social media, Maguire is now again the subject of various witty memes, only this time for all the good reasons. Manchester United fans' eulogy sees him as Superman, who can cover almost every position on the pitch if Amorim asks him to.

Sorry, Harry, we owe you this apology.

The final is yet to come, though, and who knows what gods have prepared for the from-zero-to-hero defender.