Harry Maguire tells INEOS what they must do to bring big trophies back to Old Trafford | OneFootball

There is genuine hope for what lies ahead for this Michael Carrick Manchester United side next season, and Harry Maguire has perfectly teased what that could look like.

In his caretaker role, the former United midfielder wasted little time turning things around. Before him, Ruben Amorim had struggled to coach the side into any semblance of consistency. The Red Devils could not string wins together and, as a result, never truly threatened to compete at the top end of the table.

At the turn of the year, INEOS eventually pulled the plug on the Amorim project. However, rather than immediately seeking a permanent replacement, the United hierarchy opted for the caretaker route, and that decision proved a masterstroke.

Carrick arrived to steady the ship and salvage what had become a deeply shaky United season, and he did exactly that.

With tactical tweaks that Amorim had stubbornly resisted, he instantly transformed the side’s fortunes. Seventeen games later, he had guided United to 12 wins, three draws and two defeats, results that saw the 20-time English champions finish third and punch their way back into Champions League football.

With performances and results doing the talking, handing Carrick the permanent role was a straightforward decision. Even so, appointing him was only the first step in the right direction.

The second, and arguably more critical, step is precisely what Maguire alludes to in his telling admissions on the Rest is Football podcast.

Harry Maguire’s reflection on where Man United are

Reflecting on the past year and what must now follow, the stalwart defender says:

“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. This is not where we stop, though; we need to kick on and challenge for the big titles. I think everyone can see the results speak for themselves when Michael came in. We weren’t in a bad position when Ruben was there; we were set up nicely, but we know we could’ve been better. Since Michael came in, we’ve managed to finish third quite comfortably.

“But loads of improvements are needed. We need more bodies now we’re in the Champions League, we know it’ll be a lot tougher playing two or three times a week.”

INEOS sent a message

Maguire’s words carry a clear and timely message to INEOS. If they are as ambitious as they claim, they must back that up by splashing the cash and injecting genuine quality into this squad.

Carrick has to be backed. He must be given the players his project demands and not be left exposed, as so many permanent United managers before him were.

Amorim never received the midfielders he craved. Erik ten Hag wanted Frenkie de Jong and Harry Kane but got neither. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was never handed his dream targets in Erling Haaland and Declan Rice. Carrick cannot be let down in the same way.

Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images

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