Maguire targets two key improvements after Spurs win

The Reds moved seven points clear of third-placed Leicester City on Sunday, following our 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

However, with United targeting top spot, the skipper still feels there are two areas the team could improve on: our response after midweek European games and the need to stop conceding first away from home.

“Well, I think it showed in the first 30 minutes that we played, we couldn’t really get up to speed,” Harry told club media, on the first of those points. 

“There was nothing in the game and we probably had a bit more control in the game, but we didn’t play aggressive, we didn’t play on the front foot, we didn’t win enough second balls. After about, I think, probably about 30 minutes we dominated and got the result we deserved.

“I think sometimes when you play away in Europe the hardest part of the game is the start. I know it doesn’t really make sense or add up, but when I’ve looked at our performances after Europe we need to start the games more aggressive, more on the front foot, more tempo.

“I think we started a bit slow and it’s hard to get going. In the end, I think we were 2-1 up and we’re trying to hold onto the lead and we score, I think the energy is there, the adrenaline. It’s something that we do need to address when we come back from Europe, to start the game a lot quicker than we have been doing.”

Although United have become experts on coming from behind to win games on the road, Harry feels it's a problem we must avoid giving ourselves.

“Yeah, first and foremost, it’s incredible [that we keep coming back] and we need to stop conceding that first goal and make it a bit easier for our fans and the staff to watch.

"But we’re giving them great entertainment; it’s not like we’re trying to do that. Like I say, it’s something that shows great character and spirit. We have goals in this team and I think the three goals that we scored were high quality. 

“So I think it’s really important that we know that we can always get back into the game. I think we’ve showed that this year.”

Harry also reserved some kind words for striker Edinson Cavani, who had a hand in our first goal of the afternoon and then scored the second.

“I think he had a big part to play throughout the game. I think his press and his movement… I think we know that the first goal he scores was great play from Paul [Pogba] and then great movement [for his second] and the finish, it’s a great ball from Mason [Greenwood]. 

“That’s what he’s done throughout his career, that movement in the box is the best that I’ve seen and the best that I’ve played against. That’s why he’s scored so many goals throughout his career and I think the rest of the lads have lots to learn from. He deserved that goal.”