28 January 2023 , 22:32
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Harry Maguire sent a message to Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag after helping his team book their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a victory over Reading.
After a goalless first half, Casemiro hit a quickfire brace to put United in control just before the hour mark. Andy Carroll was sent off for the visitors before Fred added United's third, with Amadou Mbengue heading in a consolation goal.
Maguire was making just his third start since the World Cup, with illness and the form of others restricting his involvement. After the victory at Old Trafford, though, the England international made it clear he understands what Ten Hag expects from him as he aims to force his way back into the fold on a regular basis.
"I feel like I’ve looked after myself - I think it’s two-and-a-half weeks since my last start - so I’ve been working hard in training, the lads who’ve been playing have been doing well so when I get the opportunity I need to take it and make sure we win," Maguire told ITV. "It was nice to be out there helping the lads and I’m ready when my chance comes.
"Of course, I’m a player, 29 years old, and I haven’t really been in this position in my career so it’s a position that I don’t want to get used to, but it’s part of the parcel of football," he added. Maguire started the season at the heart of United's defence, but Ten Hag has preferred a pairing of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in the league.
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"I’m working hard every day, I’m pushing, I’m training well, and when my chance comes I need to take it. We know at this club we need competition for places, we have some top centre-backs at this club so I think we’re all good from now until the end of the season."
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Harry Maguire was on the winning side for Man United against Reading (Rui Vieira/AP/REX/Shutterstock)Before the game, Ten Hag explained his decision to start Maguire. The £80m man partnered Victor Lindelof against Reading, with Varane and Martinez both given a rest.
"I already said yesterday [in the pre-match press conference] he was ill when he returned from the World Cup, otherwise, he should have played a couple of games," the manager explained. "But you have to play to get back into the rhythm.
"He did already play some games, but I think this is a good game for him to return in, especially when you see the height of the opponent. He had some chances. But every player has to pick their chances. He is training very well, training very dominant. And that is what I want to see from him. He is a leader and captain and I have big expectations of him."