Harry Maguire has been lauded after giving a speech to Manchester United's youth players before their FA Youth Cup semi-final win over Wolves on Wednesday night.
The United skipper was at Old Trafford alongside technical director Darren Fletcher and football director John Murtough to watch the U-18's book a spot in the final with an emphatic 3-0 win.
United's youngsters last lifted the famous trophy back in 2011 - the same year that Maguire played at Old Trafford for the first time in the competition for Sheffield United.
United's academy head Nick Cox revealed that Maguire had taken the time to speak with the youngsters ahead of the crunch match.
And he insisted that the United captain's gesture was not a "gimmick" - but rather an "embodiment" of his values and an attempt to pass on some wisdom.
"Harry popped down to the dressing room before the game to speak to the boys," Cox said. "He approached us yesterday. Harry was watching Youth League games at Leigh Sports Village right in the early rounds at the beginning of the season.
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"He's got a keen interest, he watches youth team games, this isn't a gimmick, something he's done for tonight's game. This is consistent with his behaviors but obviously, it catches the attention tonight.
"He approached us yesterday and said it is something he'd like to do. Travis and Harry have a relationship because they were part of the same Sheffield United group that came to Old Trafford in the Youth Cup in 2011, so that was something we welcomed.
"It was important for the boys to know they had support from across the club and the club captain, so it was nice he could pop in, say a few words, then sit back and watch the game with us in the directors' box.
"I'm confident the boys would've been delighted to see Harry there in his usual reassuring and calm manner, sharing some words of experience. Of course, he's played in big games here as a youth player, he played in a Youth Cup final, so it was nice he could share some of his experiences."
Maguire's trip to watch United's youngsters comes just days after he endured another torrid afternoon leading the club's senior stars.
United were thumped 4-1 by their bitter rivals, Manchester City, at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon.
Unfortunately for Maguire, his shaky performance was the latest in a string of uninspiring displays this season.
And United's interim chief Ralf Rangnick is coming under severe pressure to step in to try and arrest Maguire's recent decline on the pitch.
Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has become the latest name to concede that persisting with Maguire may do the England defender more harm than good in the long run.
Berbatov told Betfair: "I played with some great leaders at United, such as Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Rooney, and when things are not going well for the team the finger is always pointed at the captain.
"Harry Maguire can perform better. He knows that. The mistakes he is making are damaging his ability to lead the team. He needs to correct his positioning and work on his decision-making.
"It’s not easy, when you are under pressure, but I have been there and that is the nature of playing for a top club. It is part of being a professional. You need to deal with it.
"Ralf Rangnick can step in here. Maybe he needs to give Maguire a rest and give somebody else a chance."
