Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire has insisted that his team must start 'grinding out results' if they are to enjoy a successful second half to the season.

The Red Devils have struggled for consistency in the opening months of the 2019-20 campaign, although a recent upturn in form has left them just four points off the top four in the Premier League table.

Ahead of Sunday afternoon's trip to Watford, the world's most expensive central defender is keen for his side to pick up some ugly victories in the coming months.

"I don't think we have ground out a result all season. Look at the Sheffield United game, for instance. We haven't performed well, then suddenly we're 3-2 up but concede a scrappy goal in the last minute," The Sun quotes Maguire as saying.

"It is really important to grind out results in this league. We can't put our finger on it. We know there have been some games where we have not been good enough against teams from the bottom half.

"There have been others where we should have scored earlier and killed the game off. In games against the top half we have been brilliant but against the bottom ones we really need to improve - we need to win.

"I have always said that to do well and be successful you have to, first and foremost, beat the teams you are expected to beat. But they've been tricky ones where the pressure is on us to force it. To be a success you have to rack up the points. Then beating the top six, like we have, can be a bonus."

Maguire has captained United in their last two Premier League fixtures against Manchester City and Everton.