Maguire to Continue as Striker for Man Utd

Harry Maguire is prepared to continue playing as a makeshift striker to help Manchester United secure a £100million windfall.

The England defender played a crucial part in helping Manchester United reach the Europa League semi-final, scoring a dramatic 121st-minute winner against Lyon.

Success in the Europa League would guarantee United a valuable spot in next season’s Champions League.

Manager Ruben Amorim is facing a striker shortage with Joshua Zirkzee injured and Rasmus Hojlund having scored only once in 27 appearances.

Maguire, who has scored four important goals this season, commented: “It’s clear we are a bit short on attacking options.

“We had two forwards in Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus who gave their all.”

“We lost Josh, so if the manager wants me to play upfront, I’m ready to do it.

“I see myself as a threat and believe I can cause problems and score goals in that position when crosses come into the box.”

“Playing as a forward for 30 minutes is much tougher than playing centre-back.”

Amorim does not intend to start Maguire as a striker but acknowledges his impactful contribution in that role.

Asked about the possibility of Maguire playing as a forward from the start, Amorim stated: “For a regular game, no. But in these situations, it’s a valuable option.

“When I consider Harry as a striker, I see a player who is effective in the box. He understands how to position himself in that area.”

United were on the verge of missing out on European football next season when ten-man Lyon took a 4-2 lead in the 109th minute at Old Trafford on Thursday.

However, the home team mounted an incredible comeback, scoring three goals in seven minutes to turn the quarter-final around, with Maguire scoring the decisive goal.

If United can overcome Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals and then win the final, it would be a significant achievement for the club.

Winning the Europa League alone would bring in around £14.8m for United, and the Super Cup in Italy in August could add another £4.3m.

However, the Champions League qualification is the most valuable prize for owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers.

They would be guaranteed approximately £49m due to their UEFA coefficient, and four home games would generate an additional £20m in revenue.

Furthermore, even a standard Champions League campaign, similar to Manchester City’s recent season, would earn them around £11m in prize money, with an extra £5m for reaching the knockout stages.

Maguire’s goal-scoring form in the Europa League began in October with a late header against Porto in a 6-goal thriller.

Then, in February, he scored an injury-time winner in the FA Cup fourth-round victory over his former club Leicester at Old Trafford.

Three weeks later, he scored the winning goal against Ipswich to avoid an upset at Old Trafford.

Therefore, it was not surprising that he scored again with his head to send his team to the Europa League semi-finals on a memorable night.

Maguire, who almost left for West Ham less than two years ago, added: “It’s an incredible feeling. I’ve managed to score late winners a few times this year.

“There’s no better feeling than scoring here, especially when it’s the winner.”

“I’ve had some amazing moments at this club in my six years here, both good and bad.”

“This game pretty much encapsulates my time at the club.

“It was a game full of emotion and the most bizarre game I’ve ever been a part of.”

United’s turbulent season seemed to reach a new low when they surrendered a 2-0 lead to trail ten-man Lyon 4-2 in extra time.

But three goals in seven minutes turned the game around, with Maguire securing victory at the end.

The Yorkshireman added: “This season has been incredibly difficult for everyone involved, fans, players, and staff.”

“It just hasn’t been good enough, and moments like this, creating memories, are vital for giving fans something to smile about.”

The comeback was so remarkable that it felt like destiny for them in the Europa League.

However, they will need to perform much better against Ernesto Valverde’s strong Athletic Bilbao side.

Conceding four goals at home will worry Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.

Only one of United’s seven goals against Lyon was scored by a striker, Zirkzee, who is now injured.

Maguire said: “We need to perform much better if we want to win this competition. We can’t afford to put ourselves in such situations and rely on comebacks.”

“But it shows great spirit, fight, and togetherness. This group of lads is giving everything.”

“The worst feeling was thinking we had thrown it away, rather than lost the game at that point.”

“Also, how we allowed ourselves to get into that situation.”

“Going into extra time at 2-2, we can’t concede two counter-attack goals against ten men. It’s unacceptable.”

At that point, United looked defeated, even with an extra player.

But Lyon’s celebrations after their goals seemed to motivate United’s players.

Maguire added: “I still felt there was plenty of time left.

"It was the 109th minute when they scored the fourth.

“I think they thought they had won it, judging by their celebrations.

"That gave us extra motivation to turn the game around.”

In contrast to their Premier League form, United are the only unbeaten team remaining in European competition this season.

Winning the Europa League trophy in Bilbao on May 21 would secure their return to the Champions League.

If that happens, Maguire’s latest late heroics will be invaluable.