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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Richard Fay

Harry Maguire sets Manchester United target after impressing on return

Harry Maguire admits he would like to start more matches for Manchester United after he impressed in their victory over Real Betis on Thursday night. United secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League with a comfortable victory over Real Betis across two legs.

Ten Hag's side had already taken a three-goal cushion heading into Thursday's second leg, before Marcus Rashford's strike made it a 5-1 victory on aggregate.

United made four changes for the reserve leg in Seville, with club captain Maguire coming into the side in place of fellow centre-back Raphael Varane.

Read next: How the United players rated vs Betis

Maguire caught the eye with a commanding performance as part of a makeshift defence and after the match he admitted he would like to play more, but insists he will always give his best to make the club a success.

"I work hard at the training ground and that's all that you can do.," he told BT Sport after the match. "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."

Asked if there was anything more he could do to reclaim his starting role, the club captain added: "I’ve an important role on and off the field at this club.

"Every day I try to make this club succeed, whether I’m playing or not. That’s my main focus at the moment. We've had a little setback in recent weeks, and I think it’s been a good response since then.”

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