Harry Maguire details why Manchester United are 'a lot better' under Michael Carrick than Ruben Amorim following win over Brentford

React to this story

Harry Maguire pinpointed why Manchester United seem to be picking up results from evenly-contested games more under Michael Carrick than they did under Ruben Amorim.

'Not something we should be over-celebrating' - Carrick wants more than UCL qualification

Video credit: SNTV

Speaking after United's 2-1 victory over Brentford on Monday - which significantly boosted their hopes of UEFA Champions League qualification - Maguire spoke of the difference in the team since the managerial change.

"The results help," Maguire, who provided the assist for Casemiro's opening goal at Old Trafford, told Sky Sports.

"We had two tough fixtures when Michael first came in and I think everyone was looking at them thinking 'oh no', against Arsenal and Man City, but we managed to get six points.

Premier League

Maresca promises to 'maintain' Guardiola's style of football at Man City

29/06/2026 at 19:13

"From then on, everyone's believed in it, and we got confidence. We know we can score goals from anywhere, we can get a lot better in this formation.

"We can work better as a back four, slide across the pitch a lot better. We'll get better the longer we work as a unit. The results speak for themselves since the manager has come in and the formation has changed."

United's victory puts them on the verge of winning a place in Europe's premier club football competition next season, and Maguire added: "We just seem to pick up results. The games previously, when Ruben was here, which were 50-50, we'd always end up with a defeat. Now it's the other way around.

"We're a lot better in both boxes. We're defending our box a lot better and we're managing to be clinical in the other box."

Highlights: Fernandez strikes as Chelsea down Leeds at Wembley to set up Man City showdown

Video credit: TNT Sports

United have enjoyed a major upturn in results since the arrival of Carrick - whose appointment was intended to be a stop-gap before a permanent appointment was made in the summer.

Carrick has now surely put his name in contention for the longer-term job, with TNT Sports expert Joe Cole saying it would be "absurd" not to appoint the former midfielder.

With the Premier League's top five once again guaranteed a spot in next season's Champions League, United have virtually secured their place. They are 11 points clear of sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion, with four matches of the season remaining.

Should United remain third in the table, it will be their highest league placing since the 2022/23 season under Erik ten Hag.

Casemiro's heading 'the best I've seen'

Maguire was full of praise for midfielder Casemiro, who was on the end of the England defender's header at the back post to score United's opening goal on Monday.

After a difficult first three seasons at the club, the 2025/26 season has been Casemiro's finest in a United shirt, and his goal against Brentford was his ninth of the campaign.

The 34-year-old has scored five times for United since it was announced in January that he would be leaving the club upon the expiry of his contract in the summer, and recent form has led to United fans chanting that he stay for "one more year".

Maguire said Casemiro possesses the best heading technique of any player he has played alongside.

Was Calvert-Lewin fortunate to avoid red card for apparent Cucurella hair pull?

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I thought I was good at heading and attacking the ball in the box until I met Casemiro," Maguire said.

"His timing, his aggression, his leap, his technique - it's the best I've seen and worked with.

"He's really clinical. He's been a massive boost for us this season because without his goals we wouldn't be nowhere near where we are in the table."

Benjamin Sesko, who netted what ultimately turned out to be the winner shortly before half-time, said of Casemiro: "He's a work machine, he never stops. We are pleased that we have him and we are going to use it until the last minute before he leaves. He helps us very much."

United return to action on Sunday as they host fellow top-four side Liverpool.

Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max

Premier League