We can compete with anyone: Harry Maguire is a challenge for the Manchester Derby

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has backed his side to take on Manchester City ahead of Sunday’s Manchester Derby at Old Trafford, insisting United have the squad and depth to challenge their neighbors despite City’s dominance of English football in recent years.

“We know they are a top team and they have dominated English football for the last nine years. But we know we have a great squad, great depth, that we can compete with anyone,” Maguire said in an interview shared with JioStar.

The Manchester Derby is one of the wildest matches in English football Maguire knows exactly what kind of victory in the game means for United supporters. He recalled leading the team in their first derby of 2019 as United secured a 2-1 victory away at the Etihad Stadium.

“For the first time, I dominated and led the boys away Manchester derby in 2019 and to get a win away from home is a special feeling because we knew what it meant to the fans,” he said.

“At that point and time I think Man City were probably the team to beat, so to go there and do it over their opponents was a big win.

DERBY DEFEAT HURTS

While Maguire experienced the highs of beating City, he also understands the pain that comes with losing a game. The United defender said the Manchester Derby defeat is comparable to losing against Liverpool, especially when it happens at Old Trafford.

“It’s right up there with the loss against Liverpool, both big rivalries,” Maguire said. “It’s disappointing to lose any football game, but when you lose at home, especially at Old Trafford in front of your fans with your opponents, it hurts for a while.”

Maguire also considered United’s dramatic comeback against City in 2024 in the derby. United came from behind to win 2-1, with Amad Diallo scoring a late winner in a dramatic finish.

“To go 1-0 down and then turn it around and Amad score that late winner, it was a great feeling for us during the game but also after the game with our fans,” he said.

DERBY MEMORIES

The defender recalled another unforgettable Manchester derby experience during Michael Carrick’s first game in charge. After being sidelined for a significant amount of time, Maguire said the medical team advised him to play a maximum of 60 minutes.

But once the game started, he didn’t want to leave the field. Adrenaline and a desire to help United saw him finish the match despite initial medical advice.

“Once I got on the field, I didn’t want to come off. As the game went on, I ended up playing the whole game,” Maguire said.

“The adrenaline and the desire to help the team took over. I just couldn’t see myself leaving when the team needed me.”

United will now look to translate Maguire’s confidence into another derby performance when they face City at Old Trafford on Sunday.

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Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

13 Sep 2026 18:44 IST