Gary Lineker ‘echoed’ the “sentiments” that Micah Richards had about one first-team Manchester United star who showed his true colours against Liverpool at Anfield.
Both Micah Richards and Gary Lineker linked up for their Rest Is Football podcast in the aftermath of Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils walked away with all three Premier League points and provided a major boost for under-pressure Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim this season.
United’s Premier League result over Liverpool is the first time that the Red Devils have won back-to-back Premier League matches during Ruben Amorim’s reign.
Liverpool hosted United at Anfield and the Red Devils stunned the defending Premier League champions after Bryan Mbeumo netted the opener in the second minute.
Cody Gakpo cancelled out Bryan Mbeumo’s first-half opener late in the second half, but United restored their lead over Liverpool through defender Harry Maguire.
Micah Richards tells Gary Lineker his true feelings about Man Utd star Harry Maguire after the Liverpool match
Harry Maguire came to Manchester United’s rescue in the 84th minute after he beat Liverpool shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili from close range with a superb header.
Bruno Fernandes pinged a first-time ball from the right and Maguire cancelled out Cody Gakpo’s equaliser after he turned the ball into the back of the Liverpool net.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Micah Richards waxed lyrical about former United captain Maguire after he once again proved his critics wrong with his performance.
“But I’ve been in them situations where it is so difficult to get a foothold in the game,” he told Lineker.
“And then for Harry Maguire to score, it just epitomises him as a player and as a person. All the flak he gets, he keeps going right to the end.
“There [were] a few fans talking about, like he shouldn’t be in the team and all that sort of thing. But in terms of what he does and brings to this team, it’s all heart and I actually believe that he deserved it.
“Of course, you got to look to Liverpool’s chances [like] hitting the post, but Man United had chances, too.
“So, in terms of the game today, I think all the praise has to go to Man United. To go to Anfield and win is massive.”
Gary Lineker reacts to Harry Maguire vs Liverpool after Micah Richards’ praise for the Man Utd defender
Lineker was on the same wavelength as Richards and the former Match of the Day presenter was impressed with what Maguire showed with his overall display.
“It really is and I echo your sentiments about Harry Maguire,” he said.
“I always think it’s a bit unfair, the stick he gets, because, you know, with Harry, you’re always getting 100 per cent.
“He’s brilliant in both boxes, crosses and heading them out or heading them in as he did in both ends today.”
Maguire saw out the full 90 minutes against Liverpool and Lineker felt that the 32-year-old former United captain’s leadership skills were on full display at Anfield.
“He’s also actually very comfortable and confident on the ball, but we all know he lacks a little bit of pace on the turn, which there’s nothing you can do about that as that’s one thing you can’t really improve on particularly,” Lineker continued.
“But he never lets anyone down, Harry Maguire, I think, generally. He’s a great trier, great leader.
“And I was really pleased with him. I loved him when he was at Leicester [City]. I mean, we’re a big, big fan of his and he went to Manchester United and he’s… let’s say it’s been ups and downs for him.”
United have climbed to ninth place in the Premier League table after the Liverpool result and the Red Devils face 10th-place Brighton at Old Trafford on Saturday.
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