Manchester United defender says fans deserve a trophy after season of frustration
Harry Maguire is not sure why Manchester United fans “are sticking with” the team despite countless disappointments this season. The 32-year-old feels that the squad owe it to supporters to deliver the Europa League trophy this season.
United are preparing for a face-off with fellow embattled Premier League side Tottenham in the Europa League final in San Mames, Bilbao on 21 May. And speaking to TNT Sports, Maguire made it clear that the players owe their fans the prize.
“To play in a European final for Manchester United is a huge occasion. Our fans deserve it – they’ve been absolutely incredible this season,” said Maguire. “I don’t know how and why they’re sticking with us as much as they are, because we’ve disappointed them so many times. But they’ve stuck with us and they deserve something to celebrate.”
United’s 2024/25 campaign has been shocking, with tactical disarray, an impotent attack, and lack of hunger and fight all over the pitch. Ruben Amorim’s side have lost 18 games so far and the current campaign is their worst since the 1973/74 season. Yet, somehow, they’ve clawed their way into a European final, and Maguire knows that simply being there won’t be enough.
“It’s going to be a great day for them, but it’ll only be a great day if we go and lift that trophy,” said the former United captain, who was signed from Leicester for £80 million in 2019.
United’s opponents, Tottenham Hotspur, under Ange Postecoglou, have been just as awful as, if not worse than, United. But they are only 90 minutes away from their first domestic piece of silverware in 17 years and first European trophy in 41 years, so they will be desperate to come away with nothing but the prize.
“It’s going to be a good game, a tough game,” said Maguire. “We know that Spurs will be right up for it as well, but it’s one I’m looking forward to.”
