22 October 2023 , 06:18
860
0
Erik ten Hag saluted Harry Maguire for an outstanding display as Manchester United picked up a second away win of the campaign at Sheffield United.
Maguire turned in his best performance in a United shirt for some time while keeper Andre Onana also made positive strides with several good saves as ten Hag’s stars came under pressure at Bramall Lane before Diogo Dalot’s spectacular winner.
Said ten Hag: “Harry is playing like we want him to play. He was very pro-active, stepping in and dominating his opponent. He was delivering good vertical passing, good switches.
“I’m happy with his performance. The first half was not a good game on both sides. It was a poor game and you see it often after internationals but especially with us.
“We allowed them to make it their game. Our organisation was not good but at half time we made some changes, were more composed, kept the ball better and were not so direct and finally we got the win.”
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
Maguire, who was applauded by both sets of fans, said: “I think in the first 20 minutes they were the better team. They caught us by surprise with the formation they were playing.
”But I felt like we adapted to it after they got the equaliser and I think in the second half we were really in control of the game. We had a lot of chances and hit the woodwork a couple of times.
Diogo Dalot celebrates United's winner (Manchester United via Getty Imag)”I know we can play a lot better than we did tonight. It wasn’t the perfect performance, but it was an important win. We know it’s a difficult place to come, but we’re delighted with the win and we move on now.”
Despite defeat, Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom was upbeat saying: “I've said to the players that we have to build on that. We looked dangerous and defended very well.
”I know United had a lot of the ball and hit the bar but it was from outside the box and the winner is from 25-yards into the top corner as well. It's frustrating but it's a tough league.”