Manchester United were strong defensively and confident in attack during the emphatic derby victory over Manchester City.
Confidence among the fanbase was understandably low heading into Saturday’s derby, but Michael Carrick’s first game as interim head coach could not have gone much better.
Carrick outclassed Pep Guardiola on the touchline, and in just three days, he and his staff devised a game plan that saw United beat City 2-0 in emphatic fashion.
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United should have scored more after having three efforts chalked off by officials, and defensively, the Red Devils worked extremely hard to keep a clean sheet.
Lisandro Martinez fired back at Nicky Butt with an outstanding performance, but Harry Maguire was also exceptional alongside him.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesJohn Terry praises Harry Maguire performance vs Man City
Carrick’s style of play means that fans expected a return to a 4-2-3-1 formation, and it was Maguire and Martinez who were tasked with keeping City quiet.
Maguire enjoyed a flawless display, and he was praised by England legend John Terry after the full-time whistle.
On Terry’s TikTok page, he said: “Wow! What a performance from Man United… this is the Man United of old. Attacking, free-flowing football, pace up front. So good to see Carrick get his opportunity.
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“Also, Man United are such a better team with Harry Maguire back in the squad today. I’m not sure there’s a more difficult game to come into – a Manchester derby, playing against the best striker in the world, Erling Haaland.
“He’s just so good in both boxes, and so good on the ball too, driving out with the ball, so comfortable with it.
“On this form, Harry Maguire has to be on the plane for the World Cup.
Harry Maguire dominated Erling Haaland in the derby
Maguire showed a warrior spirit in the derby, and in his first match since early November, he was able to maintain his intensity and aggression throughout.
The 32-year-old played the full 90 minutes and was completely dominant in defence. As per SofaScore, Maguire won 100% of his tackles, was not dribbled past once and made seven defensive contributions.
Maguire also could have had a goal to his name after his header in the opening few minutes rattled the crossbar.
Haaland ended his afternoon with just 14 touches of the ball. He was starved of service and not allowed any space because of Maguire and Martinez’s excellent positioning.
United have sorely missed Maguire, and he proved why his return is so important during the win over City.
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