Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has highlighted a critical weakness during Ruben Amorim’s time in charge: the team’s inability to effectively defend its own penalty area.
Amorim led the Red Devils from November 2024 to January 2026, achieving only 24 wins in 63 matches for a 38.10% success rate.
Carrick Sparks Turnaround
Michael Carrick now guides United through the end of the season and has secured victories in his first four outings against Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham, and Tottenham, netting 10 goals along the way.
Maguire, who started all four matches, notes marked progress in both attack and defense. The England international credits heightened urgency in protecting the box.
Key Improvements Identified
In an interview with former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves on TNT Sports, Maguire stated: “I think we’ve got to be comfortable to be dominant with the ball but also without the ball and also be a threat. We also know we’re going to be a threat on the counter-attack with our players.”
He continued: “Taking the lead against Manchester City and then we were happy to soak up a little bit of pressure and be comfortable defending our box. I think that’s the main thing that’s improved over the last three games. We’ve defended our box a lot better with a lot more urgency.”
“Previously we defended our box nowhere near good enough, every time the ball went in the box they had a chance. But the last three games, loads more urgency. Not just from the defenders, from the midfielders, the wide men getting back in, the strikers protecting the edge of the box, I think it’s so important we do it as a team.”
Maguire emphasized Carrick’s tactical adaptability: “We’ve got to make sure we get the spaces right all over the pitch. We’ve got to make sure we’re compact, in a mid block, a low block or we go after teams.”
“I’m sure under Sir Alex [Ferguson] you went after some teams and you were happy in the mid block and happy defending low. I think Michael will bring that. I think there’ll be times going man-for-man all over the pitch and be really aggressive.”
“There’ll also be times we’ll be happy and content keeping the spaces short and punishing teams on the counter-attack. I think it’s important to be tactically flexible.”
Champions League Push Continues
United seek a fifth consecutive win at West Ham on Tuesday night. A victory would lift them to third in the Premier League standings, at least until Aston Villa faces Brighton on Wednesday.
