Harry Maguire sends message to Manchester United team-mates following Leeds win
After Manchester United’s thrilling 4-2 triumph over Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon, captain Harry Maguire praised his teammates’ unity and spirit.
Maguire put United ahead after connecting with Luke Shaw’s 34th-minute corner. Bruno Fernandes extended United’s lead on the stroke of half-time, ensuring they had a commanding lead at the break.
United, like Burnley and Southampton before them, fell within minutes of the restart, conceding twice in the space of 24 seconds to to goals from Rodrigo and Raphinha, leaving the Reds facing an uphill battle.
United, however, were motivated by the arrivals of Fred and Anthony Elanga, both of whom scored, from the replacements bench, and did enough to achieve a deserved victory and complete a famous double over Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
Maguire praised his teammates’ efforts for sticking together and diving deep to secure all three points, despite their character and mentality being extensively questioned recently.
When asked about United’s reaction to being pushed back, Maguire told MUTV, “I believe that’s the most enjoyable aspect of the game.” “Their first goal is extremely fortunate, and it immediately puts them back in the game.
“We had to fight back after they scored a terrific goal, and we had to stick together.
“I’m very proud of the guys and delighted with how we stayed together and regrouped.
“We knew we had the qualities to harm them, and we needed to quiet that storm, come together, and know we only had 30 minutes to win the game, which we did.”
Rain rained severely at Elland Road both before and throughout the game, making conditions for both sets of players more challenging as the game progressed, particularly in the second half.
Maguire went on to say: “To be honest, the conditions in the second half were terrible.
“We came out at the start of the second half and played as if it were the first half, dribbling and attempting to win those one-on-one fights, as if it were the first half.
“We realized we were getting too hung up on it, especially in the opening five minutes of the first half, so we needed to adjust to the situation.
“But it was definitely old school, with so many tackles. I’m sure it was exciting to see such a game, but happily we won.”
