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Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire thanked the United supporters for backing the team despite their disappointing run this term. Maguire further suggested that the fans deserve something to celebrate with the UEFA Europa League (UEL) final coming up.
The Red Devils are set for a crucial encounter against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final on Wednesday, May 21. In an exclusive discussion with Owen Hargreaves on TNT Sports, Maguire said:
"To play in a European final for Manchester United is a huge occasion. Our fans deserve it - they've been absolutely incredible this season. 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."
He continued:
"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. It's going to be a good game, a tough game, we know that Spurs will be right up for it as well, but it's one I'm looking forward to."
Both United and Spurs have had a difficult run in Premier League this term. While Manchester United are 16th in the league table, Ange Postecoglou's side are 17th, just above the relegation spots.
For United, the UEL final is an opportunity to redeem themselves and secure qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League. Meanwhile, Tottenham will be eager to win their first major trophy in 17 years, having failed to succeed under various tacticians.
The final between the two Premier League teams will be played in Bilbao (Spain).
"It's been really good but we need to finish the job in Bilbao" - Kobbie Mainoo on Manchester United's final versus Spurs
Manchester United v Olympique Lyonnais - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg - Source: Getty" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/05/4098f-17476474020017-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/05/4098f-17476474020017-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/05/4098f-17476474020017-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/05/4098f-17476474020017-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/05/4098f-17476474020017-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/05/4098f-17476474020017-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/05/4098f-17476474020017-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/05/4098f-17476474020017-1920.jpg 1920w">
Manchester United v Olympique Lyonnais - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg - Source: Getty
Kobbie Mainoo believes that United's run in the Europa League has been a fantastic one. However, he added that United need to complete the task by winning the final to create ‘positive memories’.
In an interview ahead of the final, Mainoo said (via The United Stand on X):
"Yeah, it's been really good but we need to finish the job in Bilbao again. That's the only way it'll make it a positive memory."
Manchester United have been unbeaten in Europe this term despite facing some tough opponents. Winning the final with an undefeated record will restore some hope about the future in their supporters after a poor season.
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Abel is an European football journalist who focuses primarily on analysis pieces and preview copies at Sportskeeda. A B.Sc degree holder in Economics, he has a previous work experience of 3 years – a year at Opera News Hub where he was promoted as a 'Verified Sports Writer,’ and over two years at Sportskeeda as a revenue-share writer, where his writing skills have ultimately led him to be integrated into the in-house team.
A Manchester United fan who grew up in a family of Red Devils supporters, he started his journey as an ardent football fan in his childhood. He used to spend hours watching the sport with his family and developed a knack for writing about the beautiful game over the years.
He is a huge admirer of Paul Pogba owing to the midfielder's ability to thread passes from anywhere on the pitch and his favorite manager is Jose Mourinho due to the Portuguese's tactical mind. He feels France's triumph in 2018 is his all-time favorite World Cup moment, and reckons Lamine Yamal and Endrick could replicate the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Abel always strives to verify information, especially statistics, before penning a word and offers constructive but not defamatory criticisms. Apart from Europe's top five leagues, he follows the Eredivisie and the Primeira Liga. He loves to spend his free time playing video games like EA FC and watching movies.
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