Harry Maguire was heavily criticized by Roy Keane ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Manchester City, but the England defender now has a golden opportunity to prove his doubters wrong.
Harry Maguire returned to action against Manchester City. (Image: Zohaib Alam – MUFC, Manchester United via Getty Images)
Despite coming under heavy criticism from Roy Keane ahead of Saturday’s Manchester derby, Harry Maguire’s performance on the pitch spoke volumes. The former Manchester United captain did not hesitate to criticize Maguire’s upbeat comments about Michael Carrick’s appointment as the Reds prepare for one of their toughest games of the season.
Reading out Carrick’s program notes on Sky Sports, Dave Jones said: “Michael Carrick spoke to the United crowd on arrival and he said it had been a great week. The environment on the training ground was really positive, the players put in a great effort and there was a great atmosphere among all the staff. It’s good to hear that, isn’t it, Roy?”
But Keene was far from impressed with what he heard and quickly replied: “Well, what do you expect them to say? So I hear Harry Maguire saying there’s a good vibe, there’s an energy in this place.
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“Of course it will happen if we get a new manager. We’ve been hearing that for the last 50, 60, 70 years.
“A new manager came in and said, “There’s a spring in everyone’s step, everyone’s training is sharper, everyone’s in a better mood.” Well, that’s great, because you know what you’re here to do?
“What are you here to do at Man United? I used to fall out with a lot of people at United, believe it or not, but it happened. You have to remind people – including Harry Maguire – that you’re here to win. You’re here to win. End of story.”
“The idea that everyone is each other’s best mates and there’s energy. No wonder Harry spoke well of him. He thought, ‘If I can talk well, maybe I can get back into the team.’ That seems to be happening there… Let’s see what Harry does once the game starts.”
Roy Keane criticized Harry Maguire in pre-match analysis (Image: PA)
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Keane’s comments may have come back to bite him after the United vs. City clash at the Theater of Dreams, which saw his former side emerge victorious with three points. United dominated the game after half-time, although first-half goals from Amad and Bruno Fernandes were canceled out.
Brian Mbeumo immediately returned to Premier League action after his return to AFCON, scoring the opening goal in the 65th minute, before Patrick Dorg sealed the match 10 minutes later to make it 2-0.
Maguire also put in a great performance, playing the full 90 minutes and partnering Lisandro Martinez at the back to help United keep a clean sheet against a formidable attacking line.
Speaking about the win with Sky Sports, Carrick said: “Today was special. We tried to put things together quickly and leave our mark on the team. We were able to come together and be emotionally attached to what we wanted to do.”
“I felt it was unbelievable from the staff and the players. We’re not on top of our game. It’s one result, but with a performance of that level you have to have that same feeling.”
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