Harry Maguire has called on his Manchester United team-mates to show more bravery following their 1-1 draw with Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday. The veteran centre-back also addressed the fallout from Lisandro Martinez's outburst against the club's board.
Improved display earns a point
United improved in the first half and took the lead after 35 minutes when Bryan Mbeumo scored from close range. Dominic Calvert-Lewin equalised for the home side five minutes into the second half, converting after a corner dropped his way.
The draw leaves United 13th in the Premier League table, having won only one of their first seven matches. Pressure is likely to mount on head coach Michael Carrick despite the improved performance, given the boardroom's high expectations.
Maguire: We need to be braver
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Maguire suggested the result came down to a lack of courage. He said: "We worked on it this week. We wanted to match them up without the ball and go quite aggressive. It was a bit of a five without the ball and a bit of a four with the ball."
He added: "Fluid in midfield. We knew we could get a lot of joy in the middle of the pitch with them only playing two in there. That's probably the area of the game where we could've done more. We could've been a bit braver with the ball and taken the ball under pressure. But we're in a circumstance where we are not as brave as we should be, and we have to get that back because to win games for Man Utd we have to have that bravery and composure."
Martinez saga addressed
Maguire also commented on Martinez, who was critical of the club's senior leadership after Tuesday's 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid. The Argentine called for more from director of football Jason Wilcox and suggested scrutiny should fall on those above Carrick.
Discussing the week's events, Maguire said: "There's been a lot of noise around the club this week - as there is every week - but more so, this week. Lisandro's come out, he's apologised, we've moved on from it." Martinez started against Leeds but was replaced by Noussair Mazraoui at half-time due to a thigh issue.
