Harry Maguire has admitted Manchester United must strengthen the squad before returning to the Champions League next season. The defender believes the current group has progressed under Michael Carrick, but needs extra depth. Maguire has warned that the demands of Europe, combined with domestic fixtures, will test United more than the previous campaign.

Carrick has already been rewarded for the club’s improvement, having secured the head coach role until 2028. Maguire has praised the impact since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in January, yet feels recruitment remains essential. United are now planning for a tougher schedule, as expectations grow after securing third place in the Premier League.

During Carrick’s spell in charge, United have recorded more league victories than any other Premier League side, with 12 wins. The team has also scored 33 league goals in that period, the highest total in the division. That surge in results has ensured a comfortable finish in third, confirming a Champions League return for the 2025-26 season.

Discussing what has changed under Carrick since Amorim’s exit, Maguire told the Rest is Football podcast: “We had a great end to the season and finished where we aimed for at the start of the season.”

Maguire has stressed that the club cannot rely only on recent momentum. “I know the club wants to win titles, but to have been 15th and losing the Europa League final, I think everyone thought it was so poor that we’d find it tough to bounce back, but the points difference was massive.” Maguire thinks the progress now needs backing in the transfer market.

The centre-back is clear that ambition must rise further. “But this is not where we stop, we need to kick on and challenge for the big titles.” United are reportedly close to a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, while Nottingham Forest player Elliot Anderson has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford as part of those plans.

Maguire has highlighted how Carrick’s arrival has transformed results. “I think everyone can see results speak for themselves when Michael came in. We weren’t in a bad position when Ruben was there, we were set nicely, but we know we could’ve been better. Since Michael, we’ve managed to finish third quite comfortably.”

Maguire still views the squad as a work in progress. “But loads of improvements are needed. We need more bodies now we’re in the Champions League, we know it’ll be a lot tougher playing two, three times a week.” That schedule will contrast sharply with the season just finished, when domestic cup exits reduced United’s workload.

United’s strong end to the campaign has drawn criticism from some observers, because early exits from the EFL Cup and FA Cup left the league as the clear focus. Among Premier League clubs in 2025-26, United have played the joint-fewest matches in all competitions, with 40 fixtures. Maguire believes a deeper squad is needed to handle extra games without losing that level.

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It has also been reported on Monday that former United manager Amorim is close to taking over at AC Milan. Amorim is said to be in line to replace Massimiliano Allegri at San Siro. That possible move would mark a new chapter for Amorim, while United continue along a different path under Carrick after a difficult spell earlier in the season.

Maguire’s comments underline a clear message from inside the dressing room. United recognise the step up that the Champions League will bring, after a year with fewer fixtures than most league rivals. The club’s strong league finish under Carrick has restored confidence, but Maguire insists new signings are important if United want to compete for major titles again.