Manchester United enjoyed a huge upturn in form under Michael Carrick but Harry Maguire knows they need to bolster their squad if they are to compete in the Champions League as well as domestically
Harry Maguire accepts that Man Utd need a deeper squad if they are to compete across several fronts
Harry Maguire accepts that Man Utd need a deeper squad if they are to compete across several fronts(Image: Getty Images)
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Harry Maguire admits that Manchester United "need more bodies" as they prepare for their return to the Champions League.
The centre-half, who has missed out on England selection for the World Cup, was part of the Old Trafford renaissance last season. A change in the dugout inspired an upturn in form with Michael Carrick replacing AC Milan-bound Ruben Amorim.
United had been hugely inconsistent under Amorim, which saw him sacked in January, and his replacement made an instant impact. Carrick secured a number of statement wins, seeing off the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa.
The former Middlesbrough boss would win 12 of his 17 games, which helped United finish third. They will be at Europe's top table next season but Maguire knows they need to add more players in the transfer market if they are to cope with the demands of playing multiple games a week.
For all United's impressive results, critics have pointed to the lack of games they had to play with the Premier League their only focus. That allowed Carrick optimum preparation time and Maguire accepts they need to kick on, but will need more signings to do so.
Discussing what's changed under Carrick since Amorim's exit, Maguire told Gary Lineker 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 tough playing two, three times a week."
United have already agreed a deal with Atalanta for the signing of Brazilian midfielder Ederson. They are keen to add two players in the middle of the pitch with a left-back and a striker also on their radar if they have the funds.