Maguire believes he can form a defensive partnership with Lindelof

Manchester United’s summer signing Harry Maguire has said that he can form a strong central defensive partnership with Victor Lindelof, though it would require some time. The England international has been a valuable addition to the Red Devils backline but that has not necessarily improved the clean sheet tally with just two from the opening five games.

Speaking to MUTV, Maguire said that partnerships are built by playing games and he has shared the playing field with Lindelof on just five occasions, he told: “You have to realise partnerships are built on playing games and we have only had five games. We will get better. I will understand him more and he will understand me more. There probably will be times when we can do better but we will continue to work hard on the training pitch and that is really important to build relationships around the pitch – not just me and Victor. It is really important, as a defence, to keep a clean sheet.”

United took an early lead against Leicester City through a Marcus Rashford penalty in the eighth minute. However, that was not the only goal for the remainder of the game and United were able to produce a strong defensive performance to ward away the threat from the Foxes. With the victory, the Mancunian giants have returned to the top four of the Premier League and they will be hoping to maintain the position when they face West Ham United on the road next weekend.

Prior to that, they are scheduled to host Astana in the Europa League opener in midweek. The game offers Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with the opportunity to rotate the team and a few of the fringe and younger players could be handed with more gametime. Axel Tuanzebe and Tahith Chong are some of the candidates, who may get the starting nod.