Man Utd: Harry Maguire dedicates his goal against Leeds to seven-year-old boy battling cancer

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has dedicated his goal against Leeds to seven-year-old fan River Rhodes, who is battling cancer. 

Maguire headed in United’s first goal at Elland Road in an entertaining 4-2 victory which put the Red Devils fourth in the Premier League table. 

And after meeting River last week, playing football with him and posing for photos, Maguire replied to a post from the young fan saying: ‘That was for you River.’

Man Utd captain Harry Maguire dedicated his goal against Leeds to seven-year-old fan River Rhodes (right), who is battling cancer, with Wayne Rooney calling the gesture ‘class’ (left) 

Rhodes had originally said: ‘Good luck Man Utd (and) Harry Maguire, score a header for me mate, don’t forget the knee slide.’

The gesture was praised on social media, not least from Man Utd legend and current Derby boss Wayne Rooney who commented on Instagram saying it was ‘class.’ 

Rhodes, who comes from the Midlands and a family of Wolves fans, is battling cancer currently and is in Manchester to receive radiotherapy treatment

Maguire met up with the seven-year-old last week to talk football and give him a shirt, thanking the hardcore United fan for the meet-up last week.  

‘Absolute pleasure to meet this legend today,’ a clearly touched Maguire said.  

Rhodes is battling cancer currently and is in Manchester to receive radiotherapy treatment

Maguire headed in United’s first goal at Elland Road in an entertaining 4-2 victory in Leeds 

‘A great chat and even better kick about. Thanks River. Stay strong.’

Maguire, who has come under fire in recent weeks and with rumours about the United captaincy escalating, responded to his critics on Sunday with a goal in the first-half. 

The crucial win for United means they are up into the Champions League places, yet Arsenal are just four points behind having played three games less.