Maguire assures he 'demands a lot' as captain ahead of vital Milan tie

‘I demand a lot’: Harry Maguire assures he is a vocal leader as Manchester United captain but insists his side must now start winning trophies, as a mouthwatering Europa League clash against AC Milan awaits

  • Maguire played a crucial role as United beat City 2-0 at the Etihad on Sunday  
  • They now face a pivotal four-game spell, starting with AC Milan on Thursday 
  • United have lost four semi-finals in as many games under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
  • And the United captain has revealed he is now demanding a lot from his players 

Harry Maguire has outlined his determination to become a successful Manchester United captain and revealed he demands a lot from his players.  

The Englishman, who was signed in a world-record £80million transfer from Leicester in 2019, has now been captain for over a year and has played a major role as United have emerged as Premier League contenders once more.  

United are yet to win any silverware under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, however, and have lost four consecutive semi-finals. And while Maguire acknowledges his privilege to be captain, he insists his side must now take the next step.   

Maguire was instrumental as Manchester United beat rivals City 2-0 at the Etihad on Sunday

Bruno Fernandes was once again on the scoresheet with his 16th league goal of the season

‘It’s a huge privilege; I feel so lucky to be able to lead this club and be captain of this club,’ Maguire told UEFA.com prior to Thursday’s Europa League last-16 first leg clash with AC Milan. ‘It’s a huge honour.

‘I’m doing everything I can to be a successful captain, and obviously the main thing is to start lifting trophies and start winning football matches on a continuous, consistent basis.

‘I demand a lot. I’m sure you could speak to a lot of players [and they’d tell you that] I’m loud around the place, I’m loud around the dressing room.’

After three constructive 0-0 draws, United bounced back in style with a sublime 2-0 away win at Manchester City on Sunday. 

The win extended United’s phenomenal record to 22 Premier League away matches unbeaten, while also ending City’s run of 21 consecutive victories in all competitions. 

While their chances remain slim, victory also ensured United still possess a glimmer of hope in the title race – they are now 11 points behind City with 10 games remaining. 

Nevertheless, even if United are to fall short in the race, Maguire insists Solskjaer has done a remarkable job at the club.  

Solskjaer looked on as his Man United side put in one of their best performances of the season

‘[Solskjaer and I] have a great relationship,’ he said. ‘I feel he’s done brilliantly. 

‘He’s cool, calm, but he’s also got the side of him where he can turn when he needs to and when the players need a little telling-off. We’re close.

‘We speak a lot before training, before games. I give my ideas to him and how I feel the group is and the mentality of the group and what we can improve on and where we can go as a club, and he’s exactly the same.’

Maguire and United now face a crucial period ahead in what will determine whether their season has been a success. 

In their next four games, they face a double-header with European giants AC Milan, a mouthwatering Premier League clash against top-four challenging West Ham, and a blockbuster FA Cup quarter-final clash with Leicester. 

And particularly after their convincing over City, United will feel at least one of the three competitions is now up for grabs. 




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