Manchester United defender Harry Maguire explained that clinical finishing and better defending helped the club against Athletic Club on Thursday. United defeated the Spanish club 0-3 in the first leg of the Europa League semifinals at Estadio de San Mames.
The 32-year-old stated that the Red Devils’ victory is down to key moments, something they have failed to deliver consistently. United have endured a terrible season in the Premier League, with 15 losses from 34 games so far this season.
They are currently 14th in the Premier League table, and their early misfortunes resulted in Erik ten Hag’s eventual sacking. Ruben Amorim has succeeded Ten Hag this season, but the team has struggled to adjust to his new tactical demands.
Nevertheless, the Europa League campaign remains the club’s salvation for success and qualification for the next season’s Champions League competition. Maguire has continued to play a crucial role for Man United despite receiving persistent criticism since joining the Manchester club.
Amorim’s three-man defence has also helped the Englishman rejuvenate his career despite the club’s continuous struggle with consistency this season. Maguire told MUTV (via Manchester Evening News) that United displayed clinical finishing and better defending against Athletic, helping them succeed. He said:
“I think first and foremost, we were more clinical. In recent games we hadn’t been clinical enough and we hadn’t defended our box well enough. Goals change games and goals win football matches. They started really well, the intensity of the stadium was unbelievable; the fans were brilliant for them and they started really well and put us under a lot of pressure. But we defended our box well and that is what you have got to do at times.”
Man United will take that three-goal advantage to Old Trafford in the second leg and negate any potential comeback plans. If the Red Devils reach the finals of the Europa League, they will face either Bodo/Glimt or Tottenham Hotspur.
Amorim needs to make sure that the team remains focused and maintains a healthy momentum until the very end. As one of the locker-room leaders, Maguire will continue to play a crucial role for that to happen.
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The England international created the move that led to Man United’s first goal against Athletic, courtesy of Casemiro’s header. The 32-year-old has made 34 appearances in all competitions for United this season, contributing four goals and providing an assist.