Harry Maguire claims shoddy defending cost Manchester United against Sheffield
According to the club’s official site, Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire believes the club’s defensive frailties cost us dear against Sheffield United.
The Blades took an early lead and held onto it until the break. Maguire drew us level in the second half but Sheffield took all three points via Oliver Burke’s 74th-minute strike.
The 27-year-old was left frustrated after we threw away a golden opportunity to go top of the Premier League. The loss leaves us a point off the top having played a game more.
“Not good enough.”
United dominated possession for large parts of the game. However, we failed to make the dominance pay. The same cannot be said of Sheffield, who took their chances well.
“It’s probably the first time they’ve been in our box in the second half and they managed to score, so we’ve got to look at it and got to improve.”
United were unconvincing in their attempts to clear the ball and the Blades had numerous opportunities, of which Burke put one away.
“Burke can’t be taking a touch and controlling it and having a shot in our box with no-one around him. It’s not good enough.”
A frustrating night
While United were hardly convincing on the field, they were not helped by referee Peter Bankes either.
The match official came in for heat from not just Maguire but also Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The major point of the talk was the lack of consistency in decision making regarding Sheffield United’s opener and Anthony Martial’s disallowed strike.
Both goals were preceded by similar ‘fouls’ but only Maguire got called out for it, much to his annoyance.
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United are still very much in the title race despite the setback. However, given Sheffield’s predicament, it can be seen as three points dropped on the night.
The Red Devils now need to get their act together and ensure normal service resumes against Arsenal this weekend.
