Harry Maguire started his first game for Manchester United against Reading since the 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup and after the game the defender said that he is committed to winning a regular spot in Erik ten Hag’s first choice XI.
Into the next round. 🙌🏆🔴 #mufc #facup pic.twitter.com/VzL4ypinNM
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) January 28, 2023
The United manager has regularly opted for Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as his first choice centre-back duo, which has restricted Maguire to just four Premier League starts all season [Transfermarkt], however, he got his chance against the Royals in the Emirates FA Cup alongside Victor Lindelof.
The United captain played well in the game against Paul Ince’s side as he looked a lot more comfortable in the right-hand side of the back four, and he regularly encouraged his team to push up the pitch. His passing was good and both he and Lindelof managed to thwart Andy Carroll and Lucas Joao.
After the game, he had positive words to say about his fellow centre-backs, and such is the quality of Varane, Martinez and Lindelof, the United number 5 accepts that United will need “competition for places” from now until the end of the season, which suggests that all four defenders will get their opportunities because ten Hag needs to ensure that he can pick a fresh squad for each match.
“I am a player, 29 years old, I haven’t been in this position in my career,” he explained in an interview with ITV Sport. “It is a position I do not want to get used to. But it is part and parcel in football and I have been working hard every day. I am pushing, I am training well. And when my chance comes, I need to take it.
“We know at this club we need competition for places, we have some top centre-backs at this club. So, I think we are all going to be needed from now until the end of the season.
“I feel like I have looked after myself. I think it has been two-and-a-half weeks since my last start. I have been working hard in training. The lads who have been playing have done really well. So when I get the opportunity, I need to take it and make sure we win. It was nice to be out there and helping the lads and I am ready when my chance comes” [via Man Utd].
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▪ Taking chances as they come🎙 @gabrielclarke05 spoke to @ManUtd captain Harry Maguire after their win over Reading#ITVFootball | @EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/6ImjMxoKGv
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 28, 2023