“We proved we could’ve…”: Harry Maguire reveals half-time talk that changed the trajectory of the game vs Ipswich | OneFootball

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Manchester United endured a difficult start to the game against Ipswich Town on Sunday but eventually emerged as 5-2 victors at Old Trafford.

It was the first home game of the season, and the Red Devils needed to respond after their debacle against Hull City last week.

The hosts made far from the best start, as the Tractor Boys took the lead. Bruno Fernandes equalised before half-time, and the 20-time English league champions emerged from the break a completely different unit.

Harry Maguire’s fortuitous “goal” handed the home side the lead before the club captain completed his hat-trick and grabbed an assist for Bryan Mbeumo’s goal.

Harry Maguire on half-time team talk

The United of old would have crumbled under the pressure or would have tried to hold on to their lead instead of going for the jugular as Carrick’s team did.

The centre-back was asked about how the team handled the Hull loss and how they managed to come back from a goal down against Gary O’Neil’s side.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the former skipper said, “We started the game really well. The goal knocked us back a lot.

“When you lose at this club, there’s a lot of noise and you feel like you’re in a crisis again. “We spoke about it at half-time. We proved we could’ve got more. The season is long and we will be ready for the next match.”

Harry Maguire on his lucky “goal”

Ipswich players were complaining to the referee about the defender’s handball in the lead-up to United’s second.

If Harry Maguire would have scored, the goal would have been chalked off but the rules dictate the referee cannot intervene in case of an own goal.

Maguire revealed, “I haven’t actually seen it back, so I can’t really comment. I know it was tight. It wasn’t handball on purpose, that’s for sure.

“I actually dragged the shot a little bit wide. So I think it’s going to go down as an own goal, unfortunately. I think that’s why it counted because I think if it was my goal,

Harry Maguire praises Bruno Fernandes

“I think they’d disallow it; I think those are the rules nowadays. Thankfully, luck was on our side today. I think we deserved the win.”

The England international was also asked about Fernandes’ impact, and the 33-year-old was full of praise for the Portugal international.

“Even if he’s having a bad game, you always know there’s MOMENTS when he’s going to create chances or score goals. “That’s why he’s one of the BEST in the world in his position.”

Tough games coming up

The next few games are going to be very challenging as United take on Everton and Manchester City with a Champions League tie against Sabah FK sandwiched in between.

Harry Maguire and his teammates will need to iron out their defensive flaws if they are to continue this winning momentum in the weeks ahead.