Harry Maguire exclusive: England defender says he is part of Man Utd's future

Harry Maguire says he has been told he is part of Manchester United's future as the defender wants to help bring more success back to the club.

Despite more turbulent times last season at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag's side finished the season on a high by beating Man City at Wembley to win the FA Cup final.

Maguire, who almost left the club last summer, made 22 Premier League appearances last term with United suffering a host of defensive injuries through the season.

The 31-year-old's own season was curtailed by injury with Maguire missing the final games of the season, including the FA Cup final and Euro 2024.

However, speaking exclusively to Sky Sports News, Maguire is looking forward to his future at the club having been told he is firmly part of the plans going forward at Old Trafford.

When asked if he wants to stay at Old Trafford, Maguire said: "Unless the club tell me I'm up for sale or I'm not wanted there anymore.

"Everything I've heard and the action I've been shown from the club, I'm part of the future and it is time to crack on and make this club successful again, challenging for the big trophies.

"That's what this club demands."

Maguire: Past few months toughest of my career

Maguire went on to open up about the injury issues that plagued the end of his season and saw him miss out on featuring in the FA Cup final win and England's run to the Euro 2024 final.

The defender, speaking ahead of Man Utd's pre-season clash with Arsenal in Los Angeles on July 28 (kick-off 1am), said he suffered mentally and described the past few months as the toughest of his career.

"It was a real tough moment in my career. It was probably the toughest moment in my career to date," he said.

"To get myself into a position where all year I've worked hard to play at the end of the season and to play in these big games, cup finals and then to go to the Euros and try to win the tournament for my country.

"I felt like I got myself in a great position physically and mentally to go and perform at the highest level, and to face the setback I did with the injury, it was a real tough moment for me."

'FA Cup final win really impressive'

Maguire is now looking forward to the new season at Man Utd under Ten Hag, who recently signed a new contract at the club until 2026.

Ten Hag's future as United boss had been in doubt at the end of the season but the club decided to keep the Dutchman and he has been given an extra two years to continue at Old Trafford.

Maguire said: "There was so much talk in the week leading up to the cup final. The media attention on the manager was really bad, but big credit to him and the way he handled it.

"It was really impressive and for the lads to pull off a great performance, the manager and his staff had a big part to play in that cup final victory as well.

"Going into the summer, no-one knew what was happening, but the decision has been made now.

"We've got new members of staff with Ruud [van Nistelrooy] and Rene [Hake]. Everyone is looking forward to the season and hopefully we make it a successfully."

Eriksen not ruling out move away from Man Utd

Meanwhile, Christian Eriksen hasn't ruled out a move away from Man Utd this summer but says he is happy and wants to stay at Old Trafford.

When asked about his future, he said: "It depends what is coming and what is going.

"I am really happy. My family is settled in Manchester and I'm loving my time at Man Utd, but as a football player, you do want to play as much as possible.

"However, it is also about convincing the manager to play you, so in terms of that, I'll try and do my thing and we'll see where we are at.

"I still want to get out on the pitch. Obviously, I'm staying the same person if I'm playing or not playing. I will be the same person, trying to help others if I can and focusing on playing.

"But I want to still be the footballer, not just the social guy."

Man Utd 2024/25 fixtures: Ten Hag starts with Fulham, live on Sky

Manchester United will start their 2024/25 Premier League season with a home fixture against Fulham, live on Sky Sports, and face Liverpool in the opening month of the season.

The opening game of the new campaign will be played on Friday August 16, with kick-off at 8pm.

United then travel to Brighton before their first big derby of the season at home to Liverpool with the game currently scheduled for Saturday August 31.

The reverse fixture will be played at the start of 2025 with a trip to Anfield on January 4.

Fans will have to wait until December for the first Manchester derby of the season, away at Manchester City on December 14. The reverse fixture at Old Trafford will be played on April 5.

Boxing Day will see Man Utd travel to Wolves, and they will finish the 2024/25 campaign at home to Aston Villa on May 25.

When does the summer transfer window open and close?

The 2024 summer transfer window officially closes on August 30 at 11pm UK time in the Premier League and 11.30pm in Scotland.

The Premier League has brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.