Harry Maguire has urged Manchester United not to rest on their laurels ahead of their Champions League return next season.
Maguire's Transfer Warning
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has conceded that the club must consider strengthening their squad again this summer as they gear up for their return to Champions League football. The centre-back, who missed out on Thomas Tuchel's 26-man England squad for the World Cup, played his part in the revival at Old Trafford last season.
A change in the dugout proved transformative, with Michael Carrick stepping in to replace AC Milan-bound Ruben Amorim. United had been wildly inconsistent under Amorim, ultimately leading to his dismissal in January, and his successor made an immediate impression. Carrick delivered a series of commanding victories, beating the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa along the way. The former Middlesbrough manager won 12 of his 17 matches in charge, guiding United to a third-place finish.
Champions League Demands
The club will compete at the highest level in Europe next term, but Maguire is acutely aware that further reinforcements will be required to handle the rigours of a heavier fixture list. For all United's eye-catching results, detractors have highlighted the relatively light schedule they faced, with the Premier League their sole competition. That afforded Carrick ample time to prepare his side, and while Maguire acknowledges the need to build on last season's momentum, he insists additional signings are essential.
Reflecting on the transformation under Carrick following Amorim's departure, Maguire told Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast: "We had a great end to the season and finished where we aimed for at the start of the season. I know the club wants to win titles but to have been 15th and losing the Europa League final, I think everyone thought it was so poor that we'd find it tough to bounce back."
"But the points difference was massive. But this is not where we stop, we need to kick on and challenge for the big titles. I think everyone can see results speak for themselves when Michael came in, we weren't in a bad position when Ruben was there, we were set nicely, but we know we could've been better. Since Michael we've managed to finish third quite comfortably."
"But loads of improvements needed. We need more bodies now we're in the Champions League, we know it'll be a lot tougher playing two, three times a week."
Transfer Plans
United have already reached an agreement with Atalanta for the acquisition of Brazilian midfielder Ederson. The club are eager to bolster their central midfield with two new additions, while a left-back and a striker are also firmly on their wishlist, funds permitting.
