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Harry Maguire outlines his goals as captain ahead of crunch AC Milan tie

  /  autty

Harry Maguire has outlined his determination to become a successful Manchester United captain and revealed he demands a lot from his players.

The Englishman, who was signed in a world record £80million transfer from Leicester in 2019, has now been captain for over a year, and has played a major role as United have emerged as Premier League contenders once more.

United are yet to win any silverware under the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, however, in fact losing four consecutive semi-finals. And while Maguire acknowledges his privilege to be captain, he insists his side must now take the next step.

'It's a huge privilege; I feel so lucky to be able to lead this club and be captain of this club,' Maguire told UEFA.com prior to Thursday's Europa League last-16 first leg clash with AC Milan. 'It's a huge honour.

'I'm doing everything I can to be a successful captain, and obviously the main thing is to start lifting trophies and start winning football matches on a continuous, consistent basis.

'I demand a lot. I'm sure you could speak to a lot of players [and they'd tell you that] I'm loud around the place, I'm loud around the dressing room.'

After three constructive 0-0 draws, United bounced back in style with a sublime 2-0 away win at Manchester City on Sunday.

The win extended United's phenomenal record to 22 Premier League away matches unbeaten, while also ending City's run of 21 consecutive victories in all competitions.

While their chances remain slim, victory also ensured United still possess a glimmer of hope in the title race, now 11 points behind City with 10 games remaining.

Nevertheless, even if United are to fall short in the race, Maguire insists Solskjaer has done a remarkable job at the club.

'[Solskjaer and I] have a great relationship,' he said. 'I feel he's done brilliantly.

'He's cool, calm, but he's also got the side of him where he can turn when he needs to and when the players need a little telling-off. We're close.

'We speak a lot before training, before games. I give my ideas to him and how I feel the group is and the mentality of the group and what we can improve on and where we can go as a club, and he's exactly the same.'

Maguire and United now face a crucial period ahead in what will determine whether their season has been a success.

In their next four games, they face a crucial double-header with European giants AC Milan, a mouthwatering Premier League clash against top-four challenging West Ham, and a blockbuster FA Cup quarter-final clash with Leicester.

And particularly after their convincing over City, United will feel at least one of the three competitions is now up for grabs.