Harry Maguire reveals Manchester United were on the receiving end of a ‘strong’ half-time rollicking from Erik ten Hag after poor first-half against West Ham… and claims starlet Alejandro Garnacho ‘has got the world at his feet’
Manchester United captain Harry Maguire admitted that Erik ten Hag was not happy with his side’s first half showing at Old Trafford in their dramatic comeback win over West Ham on Wednesday.
United left it late to seal the win in the FA Cup Fifth Round, with Alejandro Garnacho making it 2-1 on 90 minutes before a stoppage time third from Fred after a Nayef Aguerd own goal cancelled out Said Benrahma’s opener.
Ten Hag had made several changes to the line-up after United’s Carabao Cup win over Newcastle on Sunday to end their six-year wait for a piece of major silverware, with Maguire one of those to return to the fold.
But it was a poor showing in the first half, with West Ham deservedly in front just after the interval, and Maguire admitted that his side endured a bit of a tongue-lashing from the Dutch boss.
‘He [Ten Hag] went fairly strong, to be honest, he knew we had to up it,’ Maguire told MUTV.
Harry Maguire admitted he and his team-mates received some ‘strong’ words at the break
Erik ten Hag’s side were second best in the first half and went behind in the 54th minute before a late comeback
‘We knew it, or we’d lose the game. To come out as well and for them to score a great goal, although we thought it was out. I know you have to play to the whistle and I’m sure we’ll get a telling-off from the manager, but the last 30 minutes we found something.
‘The crowd sucked the ball into the back of the net at the Stretford End. It was a tough game. The first half we weren’t at our best, a bit slow, I don’t know why. Maybe Sunday, with the celebrations, as we lacked a little bit of tempo.
‘We spoke about the game, tonight was all about winning and progressing. I must say the last 30 minutes were really good, relentless from the lads and great fight.
‘After having the goal disallowed, we could have dropped our heads and sulked.
‘But it was relentness and three good goals. The second one is a stand-out from Garnacho, so really pleased for him and I’m sure he’s going to score more match-winners in front of the Stretford End.’
Benrahma had put the visitors in front in controversial circumstances, with the ball appearing to be out of play before finding its way to the Algerian.
But United responded well by forcing the own goal from the Moroccan defender, with Maguire playing a role in putting pressure on Aguerd.
Alejandro Garnacho was singled out for praise by Maguire after a Man of the Match display
Garnacho and Fred then ensured that the Red Devils were in the hat for the last eight draw in the dying embers of the game, securing a dramatic late comeback in front of the famous Stretford End.
And it was Garnacho that was singled out for praise by both his manager and his captain as he made just his 10th start for the club in a man of the match performance.
‘Garnacho is very good, he is a young boy with amazing talent he has got the world at his feet if he works and trains hard like he is at the moment,’ Maguire added to ITV.
‘The best teams never stop believing. I am not saying we are one of the best teams yet, we have a lot to do but we are getting there, we are taking steps forward we have a philosophy we were really trying to score.’
