Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez private chat revealed as it speaks volumes about Man Utd ambitions

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has said that a private conversation with Lisandro Martinez has convinced him that they are both completely satisfied with the Red Devils’ performance this season.

Following his summer move from Ajax, the Argentine has shone in his first season at Old Trafford, forming a solid partnership with Raphael Varane. Meanwhile, Maguire has slid down the pecking order behind Erik ten Hag, despite briefly re-establishing himself in the side following the Frenchman’s injury.

And the former Leicester City player has disclosed that an on-field conversation with Martinez reveals that the two are on the same page when it comes to keeping the ball out of the net.

“As a center-back, and a center-back who likes to defend the box, it’s incredible – the last 20 minutes [against West Ham] are really pleasurable,” he told United’s official website.

“Although they’re tense, as Licha [Martinez] and I were talking about, they’re the moments you want to play for.”

Maguire hasn’t had the best of times as a United player since becoming the world’s most expensive defender. He has yet to win a trophy, which he hopes to rectify as the Red Devils begin their latest Carabao Cup campaign.

“I think we want to go as far as we can in all of the cup categories,” Maguire added. “We had a tremendously bad season last year, both in the Premier League and in the cups.”

“In the cups, we went out way too early to teams we shouldn’t have gone out to.” So we have to get it right this year. Each tournament requires us to be completely concentrated. I believe you’ve seen how committed we are to the Europa League. We had one little setback against Real Sociedad, as we were defeated by a very soft penalty.

“But we’ve qualified for that, and we need to make sure we qualify for the Carabao Cup as well as go on a lengthy run in all competitions because this club is built on winning, and we need to start winning trophies.”

Fortunately, Maguire’s view is shared by Martinez, who is equally sure that he will be raising a trophy at Old Trafford sooner rather than later.

“For certainly, our objective is to win titles, to put Manchester United where they deserve,” he told Sky Sports.

“I believe we’re on the right track. But we must keep our feet on the ground, be humble, and take things slowly.”