- Manchester United beat Brentford
- Harry Maguire gives his thoughts
- Points out Michael Carrick change
Harry Maguire has pointed out the improvement in results since Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim following Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Brentford. A vital victory at Old Trafford saw the hosts move a step closer to Champions League qualification.
The Reds prevailed courtesy of two fine first-half goals in a pulsating 45 minutes of action. The opener came in the 11th minute when Casemiro arrived at the back post to head home Harry Maguire’s own header.
Brentford were tricky opposition and a second was needed just to calm nerves. That goal came in the 43rd minute when Bruno Fernandes set up Benjamin Sesko, showing incredible composure to slot the Slovenian striker on goal.
Maguire on Brentford Win
Carrick opted to change to a back three for the second half, bringing Amad Diallo off for Noussair Mazraoui. That made for a less entertaining game of football but there were still chances for both sides.
Keith Andrews’ men got themselves back into the game through a superb Mathias Jensen strike in the 87th minute. But the Reds held on and secured all three points to close in on a top five finish.
Maguire was asked whether the defence felt more comfortable as a back three after Carrick decided to change system at half-time. He responded on Sky Sports:
“No definitely not I think the formation change has helped us a lot. The results spoke for themselves when we were a back three. Michael came in and changed to a back four and the results have picked up a lot now.”
He added:
“I think we’re comfortable playing both formations. We didn’t cover the pitch good enough in the last 20 minutes of the first half. A lot of chances in that last 20 minutes and the manager recognised that and we changed for the second half and we were a lot more comfortable.”
Maguire was nearly on the scoresheet in the first half, but his attempted header was denied by an impressive save from Caoimhin Kelleher. But he put in another excellent performance after returning from a two-game suspension.
‘We Can Get a Lot Better’
Carrick’s arrival has truly turned the tide for United and a squad that just couldn’t get to grips with Amorim’s methods and system. The 33-year-old delved further into the tactical change under the English coach:
“I think the results help the feeling massively and we had some tough fixtures when Michael first came in and everyone was probably thinking ‘oh no’ against Arsenal and Manchester City. We managed to get the six points. I think we can still get a lot better at this formation as well. We can slide across the pitch much quicker like we should have done in the first half.“
He added:
“The results speak for themselves since the manager’s come in and the formations change, we just seem to pick up results.”
United’s win moves them up to 61 points from 34 games, and they hold an 11-point lead over sixth. Next up is Liverpool’s visit on Sunday (May 3rd), and it’s an opportunity to truly seal Champions League football.
