Aheed Abrar
Harry Maguire admits to wanting more game time after Manchester United beat Real Betis
Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has admitted that he wants more game time after the Red Devils beat Real Betis in the Europa League.
In the second leg of the round of 16 tie against Manuel Pellegrini’s team on Thursday (16 March), the Red Devils won 1-0. Marcus Rashford scored an impressive long-range goal at the Estadio Benito Villamarin to hand the Old Trafford side the victory.
The former Leicester City centre-back played the full 90 minutes in Seville. Against the Verdiblancos, the England international was solid for the most part.
Speaking to BT Sport (h/t Manchester Evening News) after the game, the 29-year-old was delighted as the club qualified for the next round. However, the defender is looking to get into the starting lineup more often.
“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.”
Betis did create a number of chances throughout the game, especially in the first half. Pellegrini’s team looked threatening but were unable to break the deadlock.
United arguably had the best chance of the opening 45 minutes just before the break. However, Wout Weghorst was unable to turn the ball in and beat the La Liga outfit’s shot-stopper Rui Silva.
At the start of the second half, the Verdiblancos had more opportunities to take the lead. But at the hour mark, it was Rashford who got on the scoresheet after a fearsome shot from around 25 yards out. From that point on, it was plain sailing for the Old Trafford side.
Maguire signed for United in the summer of 2019. Before this season, the England international was ever-present in the lineup. However, since Erik ten Hag’s arrival, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have been the preferred pairing at the back.
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The 29-year-old still possesses immense quality, proven by his performances for the Three Lions. However, it remains to be seen whether the centre-back will be able to retain his influence in the team in the coming months.
