Harry Maguire is preparing for his eighth season at Manchester United and says the club must be aiming to compete for the Premier League title.
The defender has been at Old Trafford since 2019 and knows exactly what is expected of players at Manchester United. After finishing third last season and returning to the Champions League, Maguire believes the squad should now be looking to go another step further.
“To play for this club for one would have been a dream come true when I was a young kid, so to be here going into my eighth season, it’s something I’m really proud of,” Maguire said while talking to Sky Sports.
The 33-year-old isn’t interested in making the new campaign about his own position, though. He wants Manchester United to finally start challenging for major honours again.
Harry Maguire wants United fighting until the end
United have plenty of work to do if they are going to stay in the title race, particularly with competition across the Premier League changing quickly.
Maguire isn’t lowering the expectations.
“It’s not about me, but at this stage of my career, I want to be part of a successful team and a team that wins. That’s got to be the aim for all the boys this season – we want to be competitive right until the end of the season in every competition.”
United’s improvement under Michael Carrick has given the squad a reason to believe. Carrick took charge midway through last season and helped guide the club from 15th place to third.
Maguire feels that run has also brought the players closer together.
“During my time at the club, we’ve had some close groups – no doubt this is one of the closest,” Maguire said. “Spending time together and winning football matches brings teams closer.”
But he doesn’t think finishing third should be the end of the story.
“Losing that Europa League final, finishing 15th to finishing third and putting the club back in the Champions League, it was a good season but we can’t stop here.”
Manchester United need a stronger squad
Maguire also believes United should continue strengthening before the transfer window closes.
The centre-back isn’t concerned about competition for his own place. At this stage of his career, he simply wants the strongest possible squad around him.
“I’m at an age now where they can bring in as many players as they want, bring in all the best players… I want to win all the trophies and be greedy about it, but it’s up to the club.”
Manchester United have already added to their squad this summer, but Maguire wants the club to keep pushing.
“I’m sure they’re working hard out there to try and bring in the right players, the more the merrier. The stronger the squad, the more opportunity we have of winning these trophies and that’s what it’s all about when you play for this club.”
After a season that restored some belief around Old Trafford, Harry Maguire wants Manchester United to carry that momentum into the new season and challenge for the title.
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