Maguire nearly made a mistake when Martinez stayed upfield and Brighton launched a counterattack.
Harry Maguire has defended his actions following Manchester United's Premier League defeat at Brighton on Saturday, August 24th.
With summer signing Matthijs de Ligt starting from the bench, Harry Maguire partnered Lisandro Martinez in central defence.
However, Maguire's clearance attempt failed, allowing Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma to lay it on a plate for Danny Welbeck to score the opening goal.
Following the goal, TV cameras captured Maguire telling his teammates, "I couldn't get the ball." Maguire also had to recover from a defensive lapse later in the game when Brighton counter-attacked.
14:45 - 24.08.2024
Manchester United fans blame Selfish Zirkzee for loss to Brighton: Nigerian-born striker under fire as Joao Pedro condemns Red Devils to defeat
See what Manchester United fans are saying about Nigerian-born Joshua Zirkzee after Joao Pedro gives Brighton all 3 points in a Premier League encounter.
Man United record first defeat of 24/25 EPL season
Meanwhile, Manchester United were rocked by a 95th-minute winner in their second Premier League match of the season as Brazilian forward Joao Pedro broke Red Devils’ hearts in a 2-1 loss to Brighton.
Former Red Devil Danny Welbeck opened the scoring for Brighton just after the half-hour mark, but Manchester United pulled level thanks to a goal from Ivorian forward Amad Diallo.
14:35 - 24.08.2024
95th-minute Joao Pedro winner ruins Manchester United after Zirkzee howler in loss to Brighton
The Red Devils have recorded their first loss of the new Premier League season after only two matches of the new season
However, after having a potential late winner from Alejandro Garnancho ruled out thanks to Joshua Zirkzee’s absentmindedness, Manchester United suffered late heartbreak as Joao Pedro struck in the 95th minute to give Brighton a 2-1 win.