John Terry has given a raving report about one of Manchester United’s key stars’ dominant displays against Manchester City.
Manchester United’s high-intensity approach paid off as they secured a 2–0 win over Manchester City in Michael Carrick’s first game in charge since his return.
Carrick set his side up to press aggressively, and City struggled to cope early on. Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire both came close, with Maguire’s header striking the bar.
United controlled proceedings in the first half despite having two goals ruled out for offside before half-time.
In the second half, Donnarumma made key saves to deny Casemiro and Mbeumo after the restart, but sustained pressure told when Mbeumo scored on 65 minutes. Patrick Dorgu doubled the advantage ten minutes later, following excellent work from substitute Matheus Cunha.
Terry tips Maguire for World Cup call up
Maguire has continued his rejuvenation this season, going from nearing the exit door under Erik Ten Hag to fighting his way back into the team with Ruben Amorim and now a key member of the derby day victory under Carrick.
His absence has been noticeable with United’s poor December and early January form, highlighting the need for Maguire at the back to marshal the defence.
Former England international John Terry raved about Maguire’s performance today and even suggested he should be on the plane to the World Cup in the summer.
He said: “Man United is such a better team with Harry Maguire in the squad today, back playing. I’m not sure there’s a difficult game to come into. A Manchester derby playing against the best striker in the world, Erling Haaland.
“He’s just so good in both boxes and so good on the ball as well. Saw him drive out of the box and was so comfortable with it. In this form, Harry Maguire has to be on the plane for the World Cup.”
Contract extention needed
Given the outstanding 12 months the England international has had, the club should be placing greater emphasis on giving him a new contract, with his current deal set to expire in the summer.
While his wages may be an issue for INEOS, Maguire has shown now in multiple systems that he is a vital cog in the machine as he returns to his best form, which initially showed in his first few years at the club.
Even though he is set to turn 33 this year, which does not fit in with INEOS’s youth-focused plan, as Chelsea has shown, if you have a youthful side with a lot of inexperience, then you set yourself up for inconsistency.
Away from the field, Maguire has been credited with being an influential member of the squad despite losing his captaincy in 2023, especially taking academy players like Shea Lacey under his wing.
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