We can compete with anybody: Harry Maguire sets Manchester Derby challenge
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has backed his team to compete with Manchester City ahead of Sunday's Manchester Derby at Old Trafford, insisting that United have the squad and depth to challenge their neighbours despite City's dominance of English football in recent years.
"We know they're a top team and have dominated English football over the last nine years now. But we know that we've got a great squad, great depth, that we can compete with anybody," Maguire said in an interview shared by JioStar.
The Manchester Derby is one of English football's fiercest rivalries, and Maguire knows exactly what victory in the fixture means to United's supporters. He recalled leading the team out for his first derby in 2019, when United secured a 2-1 victory away at the Etihad Stadium.
"Captaining and leading the boys out for my first Manchester derby in 2019 and getting the win away from home is a special feeling because we knew what it meant for the fans," he said.
"At that moment and at that time, I think Man City were probably the team to beat, so to go there and do it over your rivals was a big win."DERBY DEFEATS HURT
While Maguire has experienced the highs of beating City, he also understands the pain that comes with losing the fixture. The United defender said a Manchester Derby defeat is comparable to losing against Liverpool, particularly when it happens at Old Trafford.
"It's right up there with losing against Liverpool, both big rivalries," Maguire said. "It's disappointing to lose any game of football, but when you lose at home, especially at Old Trafford in front of your fans to your rivals, it hurts for a while."
Maguire also reflected on United's dramatic comeback against City in the 2024 edition of the derby. United came from behind to win 2-1, with Amad Diallo scoring a late winner in a dramatic finish.
"To be 1-0 down and then to turn it around, and have Amad score that late winner, it was a great feeling for us during the game but also after the game as well with our fans," he said.MEMORIES OF A DERBY
The defender recalled another memorable experience from a Manchester Derby during Michael Carrick's first game in charge. Having been out injured for a considerable period, Maguire said the medical team had recommended that he play a maximum of 60 minutes.
However, once the game began, he did not want to leave the pitch. The adrenaline and desire to help United saw him complete the entire match despite the initial medical advice.
"Once I got on the pitch, I didn't want to come off. As the game went on, I ended up playing the full match," Maguire said.
"The adrenaline and the desire to help the team took over. I just couldn't see myself walking off when the team needed me out there."
United will now look to turn Maguire's confidence into another derby performance when they face City at Old Trafford on Sunday. - EndsPublished By: Amar PanickerPublished On: Sep 13, 2026 18:44 IST
