Maguire reveals Carrick's tactical masterstroke ignited United's crucial Champions League pursuit, a game-changing shift in their pursuit of European glory.
Manchester United moved significantly closer to securing Champions League football with a 2–1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford.
They started on the front foot and quickly made their dominance count. Casemiro found himself unmarked at the back post and powered in a header, continuing his strong scoring form this season.
Brentford looked dangerous at times, with Igor Thiago testing United’s defence, but the hosts responded well. Just before the break, Benjamin Šeško extended the lead, finishing composedly after being picked out by Bruno Fernandes.
The second half was more open, with chances at both ends, but Brentford had to wait until the 90th minute to get on the scoresheet, as Mathias Jensen struck from distance.
Despite the late goal and mounting pressure, Michael Carrick’s team remained resolute at the back, holding on to claim an important three points. Here are five key takeaways from the match.
Carrick's switch to a back four has been crucial
It's clear to see that Manchester United look much more comfortable in a back-four setup that Michael Carrick has used since taking over at Manchester United in January, bringing an end to Ruben Amorim's often criticised 3-4-2-1 formation.
Since January, United have kept four clean sheets in 13 games, double the two that were kept in Amorim's 20 games, just going to show improvements that have been seen at the club since reverting to the more traditional back four setup.
Speaking after the game, Harry Maguire reflected on the switch from a back three to a back four, praising the switch for United being just two points away from automatic Champions League qualification.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, he said, "The results speak for themselves, since the manager has come in, and the formation has changed, we just seemed to pick up results. I think that the games previous, when Ruben [Amorim] was here, the games were 50/50, but we always ended up on the back of a defeat."
"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."
Maguire is a key figure in the Man Utd dressing room
Maguire, who joined United in 2019 for a world-record £80 million fee, has been a target of criticism ever since he made the move, also being stripped of the club captaincy in 2023.
It would have been easy for the 33-year-old to move away from all the noise and start fresh somewhere else, but instead, Maguire showed immense character to stay at Old Trafford, face the criticism head-on and battle for his place in the side.
The situation has now done a complete U-turn, with it being clear that Manchester United need Harry Maguire, as seen by the side's performances when he's not in the side.
With the club confirmed to be losing a major dressing room leader in Casemiro, it was crucial for the club to get a contract extension for Maguire over the line, with a one-year extension being agreed.
Depth will be crucial next season, with the club expected to make deep runs in domestic competitions, as well as having a Champions League campaign to contend with. Having the option of a centre-back with much-needed experience and leadership qualities will be majorly important.