SOCCER: Maguire credits Carrick for Man United turnaround as Champions League return awaits

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has praised head coach Michael Carrick for revitalizing the club’s form following a 2-1 Premier League victory over Brentford, a result that keeps United firmly on course for a return to the Champions League.

United endured a difficult campaign last season, finishing 15th, and made a managerial change in January after parting ways with Ruben Amorim following a turbulent 14-month spell. Maguire said Carrick’s arrival has helped restore confidence and stability within the squad.

“We had two tough fixtures when Michael first came in, and I think everyone was probably looking at them thinking ‘oh no,’ with Arsenal and Man City, and we managed to get the six points,” Maguire told Sky Sports after setting up Casemiro for United’s opening goal against Brentford.

“Everyone has believed in it, and we’ve come together as a group. We’ve got confidence now. We know we can score goals from anywhere.”

Third-placed United controlled much of the match and moved to 61 points in the league standings, 11 points clear of sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion with four games remaining. With five teams set to qualify for next season’s Champions League, United are in a strong position to secure a return to Europe’s top competition.

Since Carrick took charge, United have won nine of their 13 matches, marking a sharp turnaround in form and results.

“The results speak for themselves. Since the manager has come in and the formation has changed, we’ve started picking up results,” Maguire said. “When Ruben was here, the games were often fifty-fifty, but we usually ended up on the wrong side of the result.”

“Now it feels different. We are stronger in both boxes. We defend our box better, and we are more clinical in the attacking box.”

United’s improved consistency under Carrick has strengthened their push for a top-four finish as the season enters its final stretch. -Reporting by Philip O'ConnorEditing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters