Manchester United have endured their worst season of the Premier League era, with Harry Maguire admitting he has been "surprised" by the continued support from their fans
Harry Maguire is preparing for the Europa League Final
Harry Maguire is preparing for the Europa League Final(Image: Getty Images)
Harry Maguire says Manchester United's players have been “surprised” by the backing of their fans – given how poorly they have played this season. United have endured their worst season of the Premier League era, losing 18 games, and are currently languishing in 16th place with one league game left to play.
But while their league campaign has been a write-off, Ruben Amorim's side can salvage something from the ruins by beating Tottenham to win the Europa League final.
Despite the depths United have plumbed this season, United's fans have continued to back Ruben Amorim and his players, with Maguire admitting their enduring loyalty has surprised them.
“They've been absolutely incredible this season,” said Maguire. “It's surprising us players how much they're backing us. We've disappointed them far too much. We've given them some good times in the Europa League and some great memories in terms of winning the derby at the Etihad, but it’s even surprised me.
“I say they're the greatest fans in the world and I think this year they’ve proved that. It’s been remarkable when we get to play in front of them, even though we're not performing.
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“That's why I think they deserve it, and we deserve everything we do to give them the great opportunity to go and win the cup final and give them that day out. It’s only a good day out if we come back and win the tournament.
“We know this season has been nowhere near good enough for this club and for our standards. Next season, I know we'll improve.”
Maguire has had rotten luck with United when it comes to finals – injured for the Europa League final defeat to Villarreal in 2021 and also ruled out of last season's FA Cup final win over Manchester City.
The England defender was also an unused substitute in United's FA Cup final defeat to City in 2023 and only played two minutes when they won the League Cup in the same season, under former boss Erik ten Hag.
“Missing the Villarreal one was a big one for me,” said Maguire. “I was captain of the club at the time and a big part of that team. Maybe the result would have been different if I'd been in the team. That's what I felt. I missed last year as well. I was playing every week under Eric and missed the final, so it hurt.
“But the lads put in a great performance. It makes it a lot better when you win. The Villarreal one hurt a lot more than the cup final, just because of the result.
“At the time of the Villarreal final I was an important part of the team. We had a good team that year and played really well. We had a good defensive record but I had a nasty ankle injury.
“Looking back to that game, I actually think we played pretty well. We were unlucky not to win and it's nice to get another opportunity against Spurs in another final. We'll be ready for it.”
Maguire has enjoyed a revival under Amorim and will start in the centre of defence tonight, capping a remarkable turnaround for the 32-year-old, who nearly left United after having the captaincy taken off him by Ten Hag in the summer of 2023.
Maguire has won over Ruben Amorim
But Maguire has shown impressive mental resilience to re-establish himself as automatic pick and scored the 121st-minute winner in United's epic quarter-final comeback against Lyon.
“You want to be in these big games, these big moments, pressure moments,” said Maguire. “You want to play and be part of it. “It’s been a couple of years now and I feel in a good place. I feel really comfortable at this club and my surroundings and the pressure that’s involved in it. It’s an amazing club and I’m really privileged and proud to be a part of it.”
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