Erik ten Hag’s side were under pressure from the start and unable to match Newcastle’s effort for the second time this season, resulting in a 1-0 defeat.
Maguire started his 11th consecutive game on Tyneside and maintained his surprising comeback with a strong performance at the heart of United’s defense.
Luke Shaw made an admirable attempt alongside him, but without Maguire’s leadership, things would have been a lot worse.
Ten Hag deposed the 30-year-old as United captain in the summer, handing it to Bruno Fernandes.
However, he has demonstrated the integrity and professionalism that distinguishes a leader at the highest level.
After the game, he became the latest United figure to try to boost Marcus Rashford’s spirits as his poor season continued.
Rashford has been chastised for his effort rate against Newcastle, where he appeared to be a shell of the world-class forward who scored a career-high 30 goals last season.
Ten Hag caught the 26-year-old after an hour at St James’, bringing United’s goalless streak to 14 games.
Maguire, on the other hand, has cheered his England teammate, stressing that he is working hard behind the scenes to recover his dangerous goalscoring form.
He said: “Marcus had an unbelievable season last season. This season, it hasn’t clicked for him. He’s working hard. Everyone in that dressing room knows what he’s about.”
However, Ally McCoist slammed the Dutchman’s No 10, claiming that Anthony Gordon, the matchwinner, should take his position in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 side.
“In no way, shape, or form [should Rashford play at Euro 2024] on this evening’s performance, absolutely not,” McCoist told TNT Sports.
“If we’re on about current form in general, certainly Anthony Gordon has been playing far better. The only thing you would say is that it’s a tough position to get in when you have the number of players we have playing there.
“Gareth Southgate has problems in that area because he has great talent, but on tonight’s performance, Anthony Gordon certainly has to come into the reckoning.”