Harry Maguire admits the returns of Anthony Martial and Christian Eriksen have been a 'great boost' for the Manchester United squad ahead of a crucial last two months of the season.
The pair both came off the bench in Saturday's 2-0 win over Everton, with Martial stroking home the second after Marcus Rashford pounced on a Seamus Coleman mistake. The french international has come on in United's last three games following a long and frustrating spell of fitness issues.
Eriksen had been unavailable since picking up an ankle injury in the FA Cup clash against Reading in January, coming on during the 77th minute to a warm Old Trafford reception.
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"It's huge [to have Eriksen and Martial back]," Maguire told Match of the Day. "I've spoken about the squad already. We need high competition for places. It's great to have Anthony back and Christian came on and really helped see the game out for us. It's a great boost for us to have them back and available for the crucial part of the season."
Maguire was a surprise name on the team sheet, the 30-year-old making his first Premier League start since mid-February. It's been a season of reduced minutes for the Reds club captain but he insists helping the club when called upon is paramount.
"It's great to lead the lads out at Old Trafford and get a clean sheet and get three points," he added. "I have a responsibility to make sure the club moves forward and that's whether I'm playing or not. I feel like my form has been good for England and Manchester United.
"I respect and know that we have good competition in my position at this club. There's four top international centre-backs at this club and we are all pushing to be the best."
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