Harry Maguire is prepared to continue playing as an emergency striker for Manchester United, aiming to secure a £100million Champions League qualification.
The central defender played a crucial role in Manchester United`s Europa League journey, scoring a dramatic 121st-minute goal against Lyon in the semi-final.
Winning 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 on the team`s attacking options: “It’s clear we are a bit short in attack.”
“We had Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus upfront, who gave their all.”
“We lost Josh, so if the manager needs me to play there, I’m ready to step up.”
“I see myself as a threat and believe I can cause problems and score goals when crosses come into the box.”
“Playing as a forward for 30 minutes is much tougher than playing centre-back.”
Amorim does not plan to start Maguire as a striker but acknowledges his impact as an attacking option.
Regarding starting Maguire upfront, Amorim said: “For a typical game, no. But in these situations, it’s a valuable option.”
Amorim added, “When I consider using Harry as a striker, I see a player who is effective in the box. He understands how to position himself in that area.”
Manchester United faced the possibility of missing out on European football next season when Lyon, despite being a man down, took a 4-2 lead in the 109th minute at Old Trafford on Thursday.
However, the team mounted an incredible comeback, scoring three goals in seven minutes to overturn the quarter-final, with Maguire scoring the decisive goal.
If United can overcome Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals and win the Europa League final, it would be a significant achievement for the club.
Winning the competition alone would bring in approximately £14.8m, with an additional £4.3m from the Super Cup in Italy in August.
The Champions League qualification is the most valuable prize for owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers.
Participation in the Champions League guarantees around £49m, plus an estimated £20m from four home matches.
Furthermore, even a modest Champions League campaign, similar to Manchester City`s recent season, would generate about £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.
He also scored a crucial injury-time goal in February`s FA Cup victory over Leicester.
Three weeks prior, his header secured a win against Ipswich.
It was no surprise when he scored the decisive goal to send his team to the Europa League semi-finals.
Maguire, who almost left for West Ham two years ago, said: “It’s an amazing feeling, scoring in the last minute again.”
“There`s no better feeling than scoring here, especially when it’s the winner.”
“I’ve had incredible moments at this club, I’ve been here for six years now. There have been great times and tough times.”
“This game encapsulates my time at the club.”
“It was a game full of emotion, the craziest game I’ve ever played in or seen.”
United`s turbulent season seemed to reach a new low when they conceded a 2-0 lead to trail ten-man Lyon 4-2 in extra time.
However, three goals in seven minutes reversed the situation, with Maguire securing the victory.
The Yorkshireman added: “This season has been very challenging for everyone, fans, players, and staff.”
“It hasn`t been good enough, and these moments and memories are important for the fans to enjoy.”
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 Athletic Bilbao.
Conceding four goals at home is a concern for manager Ruben Amorim.
Only one of United’s seven goals against Lyon was scored by a striker, Zirkzee, who is now injured.
Maguire stated: “We must perform much better to win this competition. We can`t afford to be in such situations and rely on comebacks.”
“But it shows great spirit and togetherness. This group of players is giving everything.”
“The worst feeling was thinking we had thrown it away rather than lost the game at that point.”
“And 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 seemed defeated, even with an extra player.
But seeing Lyon celebrate prematurely 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 their fourth goal.”
“I think they believed they had won, judging by their celebrations.”
"That motivated us even more to turn things around.”
In contrast to their Premier League form, United are the only unbeaten team 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 crucial goal will be remembered as invaluable.
