Harry Maguire Carrick Manchester United improvement highlighted as defender says team is stronger defensively and offensively under Michael Carrick

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has praised the team’s improved performances under interim manager Michael Carrick, saying the side now looks more balanced and effective compared to the period under Ruben Amorim.

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Harry Maguire made the remarks after Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday night, a result that strengthened their push for a UEFA Champions League qualification spot.

The win came shortly after United’s 1-0 triumph over Chelsea, extending a positive run of form under Carrick’s leadership.

In the match against Brentford, United took control early with goals from Casemiro and Benjamin Šeško before halftime, while Mathias Jensen pulled one back late for the visitors in a tense finish.

United currently sit third in the league standings with 51 points, three ahead of Liverpool, whom they are set to face next weekend.

Reflecting on the team’s turnaround, Maguire suggested that performances have become more consistent and resilient since the managerial change.

“When Ruben Amorim was here, the games were 50/50… but we always ended up on the back of a defeat,” Maguire said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano on X.

He added that the team now appears more solid in key moments of matches, particularly in defence and attack.

“Now it seems like it’s the other way around, where we’re a lot better in both boxes. We defend our box a lot better, and we’re managing to be clinical in the other box,” he said.

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The comments underline growing optimism at Old Trafford as United continue their late-season push for European qualification.