Manager Ruben Amorim said Harry Maguire's physical effort in Manchester United's FA Cup third-round win over Arsenal on Sunday left him “dead”, adding that he believes he is the best player in all of his players. This is the desired level of contribution.
Maguire was outstanding in the penalty shootout win at Emirates Stadium despite being unwell the day before. Amorim pointed to the 31-year-old's attitude as an example to the rest of the United squad.
“He was sick [before] It’s our last game,” the head coach said. “He died in the end. That's what I want for every player.”
Amorim believes Maguire's recent upturn in form is due to the player changing his “view of himself”, adding: “I have a lot of faith in Harry and I hope he signs a new contract. When I did this I said [this month]. You can see the way he plays now is different because he believes in himself a lot. I have to admire Harry more than me [for this] – He is doing a great job. ”
Maguire appears suited to Amorim's three-man central defence, but the Portuguese insists he can be just as effective in a two-man rearguard. “He can do both,” Amorim said. “It's really good for him, not only when he doesn't have the ball, but also when he has the ball. He's always in the center. He's not on the left side or the right side. He's not in that position. I think he's really good with the ball.
“But the most important thing is Harry. I feel like he's an important player for the team and as a leader. I feel like I'm a leader again. So that's very important for us.”
It is doubtful whether Maguire will visit Southampton's Old Trafford on Thursday, but there is no doubt that Amorim will be without Diogo Dalot, who was sent off against Arsenal. “Harry, let's take a look,” Amorim said. “Diogo can't play, it's his fault.”
The head coach also suggested that the fitness of one or more of Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony, Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford could be in question. “Tomorrow we'll see the wingers,” he said.
Garnacho has not started in the Premier League since United lost 3-2 to Nottingham Forest on December 7, but Amorim was asked what the winger needs to do to change this. Ta. “He needs to learn to play in a different position,” the 39-year-old said. “He needs to play better inside.” [as one of the No 10s]. His recovery position when he doesn't have the ball has improved a lot.
After newsletter promotion
“But when you do that, he may not be in the right place to make the transition like he has in the past. I prefer to defend and then build up with the whole team to get to the final third. . He's finding the best way to play in this system. He's improving in training. He started his last game. [at Arsenal]. He changed the way he saw himself. ”
Meanwhile, Rashford has not played for United since the 2-1 Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12. After the game, Amorim removed the forward for “training reasons” and has since played just one game in the squad since the 2-0 defeat against Newcastle on December 30, and has given up his wishes. There is also a good chance that he will leave the team during this season. For a “new challenge”.
Amorim was asked if he hoped Rashford's future would be resolved as soon as possible. “I just want to win tomorrow.” [Thursday]” he said. “My focus is on winning. I pick the players I think are best suited to win.”
