Harry Maguire lauds Manchester United’s ‘great mentality’ after beating West Ham in FA Cup

The skipper helped keep a clean sheet as United bounced back from weekend disappointment

Karl Matchett
Tuesday 09 February 2021 22:36 GMT
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Man United captain Harry Maguire
Man United captain Harry Maguire (Manchester United via Getty Imag)

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Manchester United captain Harry Maguire praised his team's response to dropping points late on against Everton in the Premier League on Saturday, as they saw off West Ham United in the FA Cup.

A low-key game was more notable for substitutions than scoring chances, with Maguire and Co. never really troubled at the back - but, equally, the Hammers keeping United at bay for long stretches.

Scott McTominay eventually struck the winner in extra time, sending United through to the quarter-finals with a 1-0 win, and Maguire noted his team were the stronger side throughout.

READ MORE: Premier League fixtures and table - all matches by date and kick-off time

"The performance was good. We could have been a bit more clinical, we dominated the game but we dealt with their spell after half-time well," he told BBC Sport at full-time.

"I felt we got the win we deserved in the end and that's what we came to do."

The win was all the more important as a response to the weekend's failings, said the captain, after a 94th-minute Dominic Calvert-Lewin strike saw Everton snatch a 3-3 draw.

While the games come thick and fast at a busy time in the season, Maguire felt the schedule worked in his team's favour on this occasion as they were able to show their desire to bounce back quickly.

"Saturday night was tough, we were disappointed to concede in the last kick. So this shows a great spirit and great mentality to come back and perform. It's the best thing when you don't win a game of football to have another game in three days' time, so this was perfect.

"The game's come so soon, the lads put on a good performance and it's important to go through."

The draw for the FA Cup will made later in the week, where United will learn who they face in the last eight.

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