Harry Maguire failed to find instant chemistry with his new center partner.
What did Harry Maguire say?
The English footballer has admitted he failed to please new partner center Lisandro Martinez during the Red Devils’ 2-1 loss to the Seagulls on Sunday of their season. Brighton took advantage of some questionable defenders, defending from a 2-0 race before halfway through thanks to a brace from German player Pascal Gross.
Man Utd did improve after the break and reduced the deficit to one 22 minutes off time thanks to an own goal from Argentina’s Alexis Mac Allister, but they failed to register an equalizer. The Seagulls never won at Old Trafford before handing new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag a loss to start their stay on the wrong foot.
Harry Maguire said this is something they need to work out or it will continue. The first goal felt like a big blow to all 11 of their players. According to Maguire, it’s great to have Lisandro Martinez in the club. They compete for places in the center-back. They didn’t play much together and in that first period they weren’t on the same wavelength. Partnerships between centers are built over time and they will get much better and keep clean sheets.
Harry Maguire says everyone knew the task. They had a bad season last season. They have a new manager trying to incorporate their philosophy into the team, but when they don’t understand it’s the right thing to do, they seem too open.
A little about the topic
It was far from a vintage debut for Lisandro Martinez, who joined Man Utd from Ajax in the summer for £46.5m. As well as being part of a defense that let in two goals, he nearly conceded a penalty for boxing Danny Welbeck during the second half.
Man Utd manager not satisfied
Erik ten Hag said that failure is a real disappointment and they have to deal with it. According to Erik, he knew that from the very beginning it would not be easy, and it is a process that takes time. But they don’t have time to win games. They should have done better. It was overkill. They give away two easy balls and the organization was a big mistake. Erik ten Hag added that he was not satisfied, not at all. They lost and they didn’t have to. They should have made things better.