‘I want to play more’ – Harry Maguire opens up on tough season at Man Utd but admits he’s revelling in ‘important role’
HARRY MAGUIRE has admitted his frustration over his lack of action at Manchester United and says he “wants to start more games”.
The Red Devils booked their spot in today’s Europa League last-eight draw with a 1-0 win over Real Betis to seal a 5-1 aggregate victory last night.
United’s club captain Maguire, 30, led the team to a clean sheet in what is just his sixth start of 2023.
The England international defender has lost his place to regular centre-back pairing Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez but he has made it clear that he wants more.
Maguire told BT Sport: “I work hard at the training ground and that’s all that you can do.
“You can work hard in training, I put everything into training. We have good coaches at this club and they put on really good sessions for us the day after games.
“Listen, it’s not been too long since my last game, I think it is a couple of weeks ago. I have started five, six, seven since the World Cup.
“Obviously, I want to play more, I want to start more games, but I’m playing my part on and off the field.
“It’s nice to be out there leading the team and getting the victory, which is the most important part for myself and the club.
“I’ve got an important role on and off the field at this club and every day I try to make this club succeed, whether I’m playing or not.”
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United legend Paul Scholes was full of praise for the way Maguire has handled being left out and says that the ex-Leicester City ace’s upcoming stint on international duty with the Three Lions would benefit his old club.
“Harry’s in a difficult position not playing games but I think his attitude there with the interview saying ‘it doesn’t matter if I’m playing or not, it’s my job to make sure I can make the club as successful as they can be.
“I think that guarantees him in the England situation as well. It’s a good thing. It’s good for Man Utd as well that he will go away and get a couple of games that will only bode well for Manchester United.”