Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has labelled their 2-1 win over Manchester City as a “statement” while also hailing teammate Amad Diallo for his performance
Harry Maguire reckons taking down champions Manchester City in their own backyard is the first ‘statement’ win under new boss Ruben Amorim.
Manchester United left City shell-shocked with a stunning late comeback to triumph 2-1 at the Etihad on Sunday night. United were trailing with just two minutes of normal time remaining, but somehow snatched victory from the jaws of defeat thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo.
The win ended United’s two game losing streak in the Premier League. United still have a long journey ahead of them under Amorim in their quest to get back to the top of English football. But Maguire, who was excellent against City, believes beating Pep Guardiola’s men sends a message to the rest of their rivals.
Maguire said: “We had chances, we pushed in the end and got the reward I felt like we deserved. It was a great performance to go there, have 50-50 of the ball and have the same amount of shots as them.
“It’s not been like that in recent years, so it’s an improvement, but there’s still a long way to go. Winning football matches is really important. When you play for this club, it demands winning.
“Obviously, we had back-to-back defeats in the Premier League, so to go there and put a statement down is really important for our confidence and the belief of where we’re going, and where Ruben’s going to take us. Like I said, I’m sure it’s going to be a positive journey.”
Maguire will not have been sad to see the back of Erik ten Hag, who left him out for spells during his troubled time as United boss.
And the England star believes United have finally got the right man in Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim.
He said: “I think you can see we have a good structure, a good style of play, the way that he wants us to work. But, yeah, I think his demands, he’s tactically very good. He’s proven that he’s a winner. And, look, we’re still pretty new. I think he’s been here a month now or so.
“But we’re really looking forward to where we can go and where we can take this club, and I’m sure he’ll take it in a positive way.”
Diallo can look forward to the freedom of Manchester following his dramatic late winner to pile the pain on neighbours City. But Maguire has told his 22-year-old team-mate to forget all the adulation – and focus on improving both himself and the team.
He added: “He’s done really well this season. Look, he’s only still a young boy and has a lot to learn. I’m sure he’ll get loads of experience playing in these big matches, and I’m sure he’s got a big future for this club.
“We’re happy that he’s doing well, but, like I said, there’s still a long way to go. He’s got a big job to help us climb the table and to improve this club.”