A mental issue’ – Harry Maguire speaks out on Man Utd’s defensive issues after another collapse against Porto in Europa League

United raced into a 2-0 lead in Portugal, thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund.. However, what followed has become a common issue for United as their defence seemed to collapse altogether as Porto took a 3-2 lead before the hour mark.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While Porto had the lead in injury time, it was Maguire who came to the rescue as he powered a header home after coming off the bench, and the former Red Devils captain has now revealed why the defence keeps faltering.

  • WHAT MAGUIRE SAID

    Speaking to TNT Sports, Maguire said: “After every match, you analyse and speak amongst yourselves. The manager spoke, a few members of staff spoke and the players spoke as well.

    “It’s pretty normal and I’ve been in plenty of dressing rooms when you have a chat and speak about what you can do better. I think when you go 2-0 up away from home at a place like this you’ve got to be a little bit more solid and more secure. There were far too many gaps and crosses coming into the box.

    “I think in the first half there were five or six dangerous balls coming into the box and they ultimately punished us for it. We played really well with the ball in the first half, just really poorly without it.

    “I think it’s more the mental issue [conceding in quick succession] and it’s something we have to overcome. It probably starts with belief. When we go 2-0 up and concede, does the belief go a little bit between the boys that we can go on and win the game here? So it’s something we need to be aware of.

    “We need to make sure when we do concede, we get together and regroup and stick together because that’s part and parcel of football. You can talk about leadership but it’s an easy word to throw out.

    “The boys on the pitch have to realise that this has happened far too many times and it’s something we need to reset, refocus and go back to the game plan that got us the lead in the first place. It’s something we must improve. If we want to be successful this season, we can’t be conceding two goals in as many minutes as we did this evening.”

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    WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

    The Red Devils’ upcoming clash against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday, October 6 could be a major one for embattled manager Erik ten Hag. United desperately need a positive result.