New Delhi, September 11: After the incredible performance of Manchester United at the UEFA Champions League 2026 against debutant Sabah FK, the eyes will turn once again to Old Trafford for the upcoming Manchester Derby on September 13.

The Manchester Derby is one of the most important footballing fixtures of the English calendar event like the North London or the North West derby. Among the Mancunians to have witnessed and played their part in this chapter is Harry Maguire, who once wore the captain’s armband and now stands as a seasoned leader at the heart of the Red Devils’ defence.

Speaking in an interview with JioStar, Maguire reflected on the ‘nervy’ Manchester Derby moments, the booes from the defeats, and also what it takes to remain abreast of the ‘Manchester’ mentality.

A Captain’s Nostalgia

Maguire recalled the time when he led United from the front for the very first time in a Manchester derby at the ‘hostile’ 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.”

Maguire further said that City was the team to beat in that season and naturally going out there and getting away with a win over arch rivals was a very special moment. However, the journey of success has come with their fair share of booing and derby defeats.

“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 added. But the Manchester United defender said that it is important to take it as ‘one day, one game’ at a time.

Dramatic Late Winner Victory By Amad

Manchester United’s dramatic comeback victory in the 2024 edition remains a night to remember, with Amad Diallo’s late winner providing the decisive moment in a game that appeared to be slipping away.

Reflecting on the comeback, the defender recalled the feeling of going 1-0 down before United turned the contest around, with Amad’s late strike sealing a memorable victory. The dramatic finish not only sparked wild celebrations among the players but also underlined the unpredictability that makes football so exciting.

The match was also significant for the defender personally, coming after a lengthy injury layoff and amid medical advice that he should play no more than 60 minutes in Michael Carrick’s first game. However, once on the pitch, his desire to help the team took over, with adrenaline carrying him through the entire match.

Mguire Eyes Another Derby Despite Medical Exigencies

Looking ahead to another Manchester derby, he also struck a confident tone when discussing Manchester City’s dominance in English football. While acknowledging City’s quality and success over the past nine years, he insisted United possess the squad and depth to compete with any opponent.

“I had been out injured for quite a while, and as the game approached, there was a lot of debate about whether I should start or not. The medical team recommended that I play a maximum of 60 minutes. But 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,” Maquire said.

For United, the combination of late-game resilience, individual determination and belief in their squad continues to define the spirit they will need in the derby.