Manchester United are back on track after a crucial FA Cup win away at Arsenal.
Impressively after two away games against Liverpool and Arsenal to start the year, Manchester United are unbeaten.
The 1-1 draw with Arsenal led to a penalty shootout victory, booking Manchester United’s place in the FA Cup fourth round.
Key to the win was a strong defensive performance that saw the Red Devils hold out against Arsenal’s corner kick tactics, showing improvement on the previous loss at The Emirates.
Harry Maguire praised
Harry Maguire was one of Manchester United’s leaders at the back, helping the Red Devils defend set pieces effectively.
While Maguire was substituted in the 104th minute with the game reaching extra-time, the centre-back’s impact was noticeable.
Former United talent Phil Bardsley told MUTV’s post-game coverage he was thrilled by Maguire’s performance.
He said: “I think that’s probably one of the best games I’ve seen him play in a Man United shirt.
“Absolutely immense, he was a magnet to the ball. Credit to him, he was organizing people.”
Bardsley added that Maguire’s fellow centre-backs also impressed him with their efforts, and he can see the way the backline is coming together.
He said: “I think you can see now, Harry, Martinez and De Ligt have got a real understanding last couple of games, they’ve been fantastic.
“They’ve been working on stuff, obviously communication, distances, etc. So you know, they’re forming a real good unit. And hopefully we can continue that.”
Maguire avoids injustice
Harry Maguire was left furious midway through the second half when Kai Havertz dived to win a penalty at his feet.
Referee Andy Madley fell for it completely and awarded a spot-kick, to Maguire’s clear fury, with the defender confronting Havertz, sparking a melee.
The spot-kick award was even condemned on the BBC as a ‘bad decision’, and yet it did not decide the game.
Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir turned hero, definitely putting in his best ever game in a United shirt, from a much more limited sample size than Maguire.
Bayindir saved Martin Odegaard’s penalty, keeping United in the game, before United won on penalties, with the Turkish hero saving Havertz’s effort.
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