Maguire: We're still playing catch-up

The Reds go into Sunday’s game at Luton on the back of three straight Premier League victories, which is our joint-best run in the division this term.

That recent form has seen us close the gap on Aston Villa, in fifth, and Tottenham Hotspur, who sit fourth, with those two sides facing each other next month.

Maguire admits that, despite a good start to 2024, United can’t rest on our laurels and need to maintain the pressure.

“We’ve had a good period but that’s it really, we’re still not where we want to be, we’re still playing catch-up on the points tally but it’s been a nice few games for us,” Maguire told Sky Sports.

“We’ve got another big game at the weekend and then another big game the weekend after, because that’s what it is now.

“We’re playing catch-up with the points so we’ve got to take each game as it comes and make sure we get the three points.

“At the start of the season, we didn’t set our goals to be in the top four, we set bigger challenges than that but now we know where we are, we’re realistic.

“We’ve got to reach Champions League football because it’s what this club demands and it’s where it needs to be next season.”

Erik ten Hag has benefited from a settled side in recent weeks, with homegrown youngsters Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo among the top performers.

Maguire sees their emergence under the Dutchman as hugely encouraging for the future, with their opportunities deserved.

“It's really encouraging, the young boys coming through at this club,” he added.

“This club has built a philosophy where young players get chances and if you take your chance you stay in the team and this manager has proved that.

“Since he's come in, the young players train with us a lot and when they train well and impress they stay and get more opportunities to impress.

“It doesn't matter how young you are, if you're playing well you keep your place.”