Maguire spells out exact change United must make to challenge for PL title

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has laid out the blueprint that the club must follow in order to spark a Premier League title push next season.

Earlier this week, United announced that Maguire had put pen to paper on a new contract to extend his stay at the club.

Maguire was set to become a free agent at the end of the season, upon the expiry of his terms, and talks had been ongoing to reach a resolution.

He is set to remain at Old Trafford at least until 2027. United retain the option of keeping him for an additional 12 months if they wish.

Speaking to club media after the news was confirmed, Maguire expressed his joy and excitement at the direction in which the club is going. He also granted an interview to The Sun, where he tipped the Red Devils to fight for the Premier League next term, but insisted that this will only be possible with a bigger squad.

Maguire told The Sun , “I always want to be part of a squad that I felt like could compete and the recruitment went well last year. We brought in some top players who helped us this year.”

“And like I’ve always said, I think this summer’s going to be a big summer, I think we’ve got to recruit really well. Obviously, there’s a big manager decision as well, but I think the recruitment side of it is bringing players in.”

“I think this summer’s got to be a big year because we’re not in Europe this year, we’ve played 40 games at the end of the season, and we definitely need a bigger squad next year. We’re in a strong position. We’ve had a great few months under the manager. I feel like the squad is starting to look like something that is a strong squad.”

The England international continued, “But this summer’s going to be big, really, really big. We need more players, we need better quality, we need players to come into the starting eleven. And then when everything comes together, we’ll see where it is at the start of the season.”

“We’ll have a good pre-season and be ready.”

Maguire noted that with United’s rivals undergoing changes, there is a real chance to mount a serious title charge.

“Looking at the Premier League at the moment, I think over the last few years you’ve obviously had Manchester City, who were really tough to catch. And before the start of the season you knew you had to put a points tally together where it was some going to catch them.”

“I think next season you look at it and I think we’ve got to be in the bracket where if we get the recruitment right and everything’s positive from now to the end of the season, and we keep going on the curve there’s no ceiling to where we can reach.”

“We’ve got to be in the conversation to go and win the big trophies. I think a lot of people speak about it being open (in the league) and maybe it’s not as strong. I look at it the other way. I think the Premier League’s getting stronger and stronger and I feel like the teams are becoming more competitive.”

“And I feel like it’s all so strong now I think you’ve probably got a couple this season who’ve felt a little bit of drift in teams. But every other team, they can beat anyone. I think it’s so strong in terms of depth of the Premier League that teams pick up points now.”

“You go away from them to anybody, it’s a tough game and if you’re not on it you get beat. And that’s the reality of the Premier League now. Of course I feel like it is more open to win the Premier League this season. Arsenal are in a strong position, of course.”

“But, next year, come February, March, we don’t want to be adrift like we have been this year. We don’t really want to get carried away. If we were speaking about at the end of last season, you’d probably think we were a bit stupid, really.”

United return to action on Monday, when they host Leeds United at Old Trafford. Kick-off is at 20:00 GMT.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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