Harry Maguire has said that he 'does not want to get used to' being out of the side, with the centre-back prepared to battle to regain his starting spot at Manchester United.
The England international kept hold of the Red Devils captaincy over the summer, but Bruno Fernandes has largely sported the armband this season due to Maguire losing his position in the first XI.
Maguire has only started four times in the Premier League this term, but he played the full 90 minutes against Reading in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday night and could retain his spot against Nottingham Forest in the second leg of the team's EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have become Man United's first-choice centre-backs this season, while Luke Shaw has also been used in that area of the field.
Maguire's long-term future at Old Trafford is unclear, with the 20-time English champions thought to be willing to let him leave during this summer's transfer window.
© Reuters
However, the defender remains determined to regain his position in the first XI.
"I am a player, 29 years old, I haven't been in this position in my career," he told ITV Sport. "It is a position I do not want to get used to.
"But it is part and parcel in football and I have been working hard every day. I am pushing, I am training well. And when my chance comes, I need to take it.
"We know at this club we need competition for places, we have some top centre-backs at this club. So, I think we are all going to be needed from now until the end of the season.
© Reuters
"I feel like I have looked after myself. I think it has been two-and-a-half weeks since my last start. I have been working hard in training.
"The lads who have been playing have done really well. So when I get the opportunity, I need to take it and make sure we win. It was nice to be out there and helping the lads and I am ready when my chance comes."
Maguire, who has only made 15 appearances for Man United this season, lost his spot in the XI due to his disappointing performances against Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford back in August.
West Ham United and Aston Villa have been linked with the former Sheffield United youngster this month, but he will not be allowed to depart this month due to Man United's volume of matches, with the team competing on four fronts in the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and EFL Cup.
Maguire has featured on 159 occasions for the Red Devils since arriving from Leicester City in 2019.
Matt Law
