Harry Maguire reveals surprising Man Utd ambition as defender namechecks duo vital to top-four hopes
Harry Maguire hailed the return of two key Manchester United players and confessed that he feels he has a ‘responsibility’ to help keep the club improving.
The 30-year-old earned a rare Premier League start as Manchester United beat Everton 2-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday. Marginalised by Erik ten Hag, the former Leicester stopper has bided his time on the substitutes bench. He has seen action in Europe and in both domestic cup competitions. But Ten Hag has started him just six times in the league this term.
Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial scored the goals that see the Red Devils sit in fourth place in the top-flight standings.
Martial is now back in the fold after recovering from injury. He came off the bench in the 60th minute while Christian Eriksen made his first appearance since January on 77 minutes.
And Maguire feels the duo are set to play a major role between now and the end of the campaign.
“It’s huge [to have them back],” he told BBC Sport. “I’ve spoken about the squad already. We need high competition for places.
“It’s great to have Anthony back and Christian came on and really helped see the game out for us. It’s a great boost for us to have them back and available for the crucial part of the season.”
Maguire shows maturity as doubts cloud his future
Maguire had been a regular starter at Manchester United since arriving in July 2019.
His form saw him become an automatic pick for England, with the ex-Sheffield United star having earned 55 caps to date.
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He is still getting the call from Gareth Southgate but is on the peripheries of United’s Premier League side.
There have been many reports that the central defender will be on his way in the off-season as he seeks more playing time.
Nevertheless, the man with seven England goals is determined to do all he can to aid the United cause.
“It’s great to lead the lads out at Old Trafford and get a clean sheet and get three points,” he added.
“I have a responsibility to make sure the club moves forward and that’s whether I’m playing or not. I feel like my form has been good for England and Manchester United.”
It remains to be seen if Maguire is still at the Theatre of Dreams beyond the end of this season.
He is under contract until June 2025. And the former Hull City man knows that he will need to keep working extremely hard if he is to nail down a regular starting berth.
“I respect and know that we have good competition in my position at this club,” he continued. “There’s four top international centre-backs at this club and we are all pushing to be the best.”
