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Manchester United center back Harry Maguire was in a bold and outspoken mood when he sat down with several media outlets this week.
The England international, who has recently returned to the national setup, described himself as "arguably one of the best defenders in the world in both boxes" and was equally direct about the club's ambitions in next season's Premier League and the upcoming transfer window.
The general narrative surrounding Maguire is one of redemption. After suffering a difficult spell and losing the United captaincy under Erik ten Hag, the 33-year-old has reclaimed his spot in the starting lineup and is pushing for inclusion in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad. Maguire himself, however, would contend that his career has been far more steady than the narrative suggests.
"I genuinely think, six of the [seven] seasons, I've performed at a really high level," he told The Athletic. "I'd have loved seven out of seven, and not had this little blip along the way and everyone won't be speaking about it as much."
Speaking specifically about his potential role for England this summer, Maguire made a compelling case for himself. "Whatever role the manager needs me for, whether that's starting or coming off the bench to influence games... I still believe, even at my age, I'm arguably one of the best defenders in the world in both boxes. I don't think that's really up for debate."
Some may dispute that claim, but the statistics back him up. No Premier League player can match Maguire's aerial duel success rate of 78% this season, according to Opta. Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim has repeatedly praised his ability from attacking set pieces, noting that "he's the only guy that can score a goal with his headers."
"I have tremendous self-belief, and more importantly, I know I'm a top-level player," Maguire stated. "That's what keeps me going when things get difficult."
There also seems to be a great deal of optimism surrounding Manchester United's future prospects.
'No Ceiling'—Maguire Rates Man Utd's Title Prospects
Maguire has spent seven seasons at United without ever being part of a genuine Premier League title challenge. That may be about to change.
"I don't think there's any ceiling on it looking at the Premier League at the moment," Maguire told The Telegraph when asked about United's chances. "I think over the last few years you've obviously had Manchester City, who were really difficult to catch, and before the start of any season you knew you had to put a points tally together where it was some going to catch them.
"I think next season you look at it we've got to be in the bracket where, if we get the recruitment right and everything's positive from now to the end of this season, there's no ceiling of where we can reach.
"If we were talking about it [the title] at the end of last season [when United finished 15th], you'd probably think we were being a bit delusional. But we're in a strong position now.
"Come February, March, we don't want to be off the pace like we were this year. We need to be in contention to win the major trophies."
Since Michael Carrick took the reins in January, United have accumulated Premier League points at a rate comparable to title contenders—no other side has matched his record over that stretch. However, Carrick has only managed 10 matches without the added pressure of other competitions.
As United gear up for some form of European football next season, Maguire's attention has turned to the summer transfer window.
'This Summer's Going to Be a Big Summer'
"I've always wanted to be part of a squad capable of competing at the highest level, and last year's recruitment went well — we brought in some quality players who made a real difference," Maguire told ESPN. However, additions of the caliber of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Senne Lammens will need to be replicated this summer if United are to sustain their upward momentum.
"I think this summer's going to be a big summer, I think we've got to recruit really well," Maguire stressed. "Obviously there's a big manager decision as well, but I think the recruitment side of it is bringing players in.
"I think this summer has got to be a big year because we're not in Europe this year, we've played 40 games at the end of the season, and we definitely need a bigger squad next year."
United are expected to pursue several new midfielders as well as a left winger. Maguire's contract renewal has eased the urgency for a new center back, but there remains considerable business to be done.
"I feel like the squad is beginning to take shape as something genuinely competitive. But this summer is going to be huge, really, really huge," Maguire concluded. "We need more players, we need better quality, we need players who can walk straight into the starting XI. And when everything comes together, we'll see where we stand at the start of the season."