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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Daniel Orme

Paul Scholes responds after Harry Maguire makes Man Utd demand to Erik ten Hag

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire revealed his desire for "more starts" after helping the Red Devils past Real Betis - and Paul Scholes has now had his say.

Erik ten Hag's side booked their place in the last-eight with relatively little difficulty, with Marcus Rashford scoring a winning goal on the night to secure a 5-1 aggregate victory. Maguire was named at the heart of the Red Devils' defence for what was just his second start in Europe this season.

The former Leicester star has lost his place in the Red Devils' side this season following the arrival of Lisandro Martinez. Following the full-time whistle against Betis, Maguire admitted that he wanted to regain a starting berth in the side but also suggested that he was aware of the role he currently plays.

Speaking with BT Sport, he said: "Listen, I work hard at the training ground and that’s only what you can do. You can work hard in training, I put everything into training.

"We have good coaches at this club. They put on really good sessions for us after games. It’s not been too long since my last game, it was only a couple of weeks ago. I’ve started five, six, seven since the World Cup.

The England defender added: "Obviously, I want to play more. I want to start more games but I’m playing my part on and off the field and it’s nice to get out there, leading the team and getting the victory which is the most important thing for myself and the club.

Harry Maguire made just his second European start of the season vs Betis (Getty Images)

Who was your man-of-the-match in Man Utd's win over Betis? Share your thoughts in the comments below

"I have an important role on and off the field for this club and every day I try and make this club succeed whether I’m playing or not playing. That’s my main focus at the moment."

Red Devils' icon Paul Scholes was full of praise for Maguire in the aftermath of his comments by suggesting that he currently has the perfect attitude towards his place at Old Trafford.

"Harry's in a difficult position not playing games but I think his attitude there with the interview saying 'it doesn't matter if I'm playing or not, it's my job to make sure I can make the club as successful as they can be'," the former midfielder said.

"I think that guarantees him in the England situation as well. It's a good thing. It's good for Man Utd as well that he will go away and get a couple of games that will only bode well for Manchester United."

After beating Betis, Maguire will hope to play a role for the Red Devils at the weekend as they tackle Fulham in the FA Cup quarter-finals before he joins up with the Three Lions.

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