Roy Keane picked out a ‘weak link’ in Manchester United’s team in the build-up to their Premier League clash with Liverpool, but it was that player who scored the Red Devils’ winning goal
Roy Keane had to eat some humble pie after Harry Maguire scored the winning goal in Manchester United’s late 2-1 victory over Liverpool. United star Maguire popped up with a header in the 84th minute to restore his side’s lead for good.
The Red Devils had been pegged back by Cody Gakpo in the closing stages, having taken the lead after just 63 seconds through Bryan Mbeumo. But Maguire was on hand to be the hero, clinching all three points for Ruben Amorim’s side and earning back-to-back Premier League wins.
His selection ahead of fellow centre-back Leny Yoro raised eyebrows pre-match. Reacting to Amorim’s decision, Keane went as far as to label Maguire a ‘weak link’ in the United defence.
“We know Harry’s got the experience but the lack of pace might be an issue,” the Red Devils legend warned on Sky Sports. “That would be a worry but he’s played hundreds of games, he’s an established international player.
“It seems a bit strong but you would see him as a weak link but, hopefully, he has the experience to get through the game and not be too isolated. We know as well he can be a threat.”
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Although Maguire didn’t cover himself in glory for Liverpool’s equaliser, his goal will live long in the memory of United’s travelling supporters. It’d been nine years since they last won at Anfield, having failed to win on their 10 previous visits.
“I wouldn’t go as far as to say United are back but it’s a huge win for them,” Keane added. “We’ve all been critical of this group of players over the last year but on today’s performance, they showed grit.
“They stuck at it and you felt they had goals in them. It’s a big moment for these players and they should enjoy it. But now they have to kick on.”
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Maguire admitted that United’s failure to win back-to-back league games under Amorim was ’embarrassing’, and he was similarly critical of their Anfield hoodoo. “It’s been a long time coming,” the 32-year-old said to Match of the Day.
“It’s been a tough place for us over recent years. We know how big it is for our fans. We have the cliche of it being ‘only three points’ but it is more than three points that today. It’s massive for our club, for our fans and it is a great memory they are going to have.
“The lads are buzzing and as cliche as it is we need to build on it now and make sure to take the confidence from it and take the fighting spirit. We can play better on the ball, of course we can, we were sloppy at times, but there were times where we played through them and created numerous chances, especially in the first half.
“The fight and the spirit has got to be with us every game and that is something we need to make sure we show that against Brighton next Saturday. I’m sure the fans will have a good night.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
