Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is looking forward to the future at Old Trafford after becoming a key figure in Ruben Amorim's plans.

The centre-back made the admission after scoring a dramatic winner in United's 2-1 win over Leicester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday night. Maguire headed in a 93rd-minute winner to complete an unlikely comeback and secure the Reds' place in Monday night's fifth round draw.

United had trailed 1-0 at half-time and were subjected to boos as they walked back towards the Stretford End tunnel. However, the half-time introduction of Alejandro Garnacho gave United the injection of energy they needed.

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Joshua Zirkzee hauled United level before Maguire scored right at the death. The latter's place in the starting line-up against his former club means he has now started more than 50 per cent of Amorim's opening 20 matches in charge, meaning he is now well past the troubles he experienced in 2021/22 and 2022/23.

"I feel like I am in a really good place," Maguire told MUTV. "I feel like I have been in a good place for 18 months, two years.

"There is no doubt that I had a difficult spell. I kept my head down, I knew my chance would come and when the chance came I needed to be focused and ready to take it, and I have been given a lot of opportunities over the last 18 months.

"I have played pretty much every game when I have been available and I am looking forward to seeing where the future goes. I feel good, both mentally and physically.

"It is not just about me; it is more importantly about the team and winning football matches and trying to get this club back to where it should be. At the moment, we are not where we should be.

"Obviously tonight it's a good win to get through to the next round, and we look forward to it."

Ahead of last month's FA Cup third round win over Arsenal, Amorim urged United's senior figures to step forward and lead by example. Maguire has done just that.

"I feel like it is natural," Maguire added, addressing his leadership qualities. "Leaders are natural, really; it is not something that should be forced.

"Obviously you can develop leadership, and leadership obviously comes from experience and confidence. We had numerous leaders in that dressing room and we all know that this year has not been good enough, especially in the Premier League.

"There have been some good results in the cup and the Europa League as well, so we know the ability is there and the talent is there. But for sure, we need to improve."