Maguire says 'statement' derby win will boost Man Utd's belief

Josko Gvardiol's header put City on course for a much-needed win at the Etihad on Sunday but United captain Bruno Fernandes levelled from the penalty spot in the 88th minute. Amad Diallo won that penalty and then conjured up a memorable 90th-minute winner as Amorim celebrated his biggest win since replacing the sacked Erik ten Hag last month.

"It's been a difficult start to the season for us and not much for our fans to cheer about," said defender Maguire. "It was a great performance in the end to come here and have 50-50 of the ball, have the same amount of shots as them. "It's not been like that in recent years, so it's an improvement but still a long way to go."

United suffered Premier League defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest earlier this month and are still a lowly 13th in the table after a poor campaign so far. "Obviously, we had back-to-back defeats in the Premier League, so to come here and to put a statement down is really important for our confidence and the belief of where we're going and where Ruben's going to take us," said Maguire.

"I'm sure it's going to be a positive journey." United's victory meant City's wretched run stretched to eight defeats in 11 matches in all competitions. Two of those losses have been overseen by Amorim, who led Sporting Lisbon to a stunning 4-1 Champions League win in his penultimate match before moving to Manchester.

"I think you can see we have a good structure, a good style of play, the way that he wants us to work," Maguire said of the new manager's impact. "But, yeah, I think his demands, he's tactically very good. He's proven that he's a winner." United defender Diogo Dalot said Amorim had harnessed the club's never-say-die attitude and instilled resilience during his brief spell in charge so far.

"If you want to succeed at this club you have to suffer and if you're ready to do that with us, we're going to be a good team," he said. "If you're not, there's no space for you." The Portugal international said he was aware of the pressure for success at United, who have not won the Premier League since 2013.

"But the reality is this is step by step," he said. "With the new manager we are (making) progress and if you want to analyse like you should analyse, we are taking very good steps towards where we want to go, but it will take time."

 

December 15, 2024