Man United could play as few as 40 matches in 2025/26, meaning there is immense pressure on them to improve in the Premier League.
Harry Maguire applauds after Manchester United's final game of the US tour.
Harry Maguire is looking forward to the season ahead.(Image: Kevin C. Cox - Premier League/Getty Images.)
Centre-back Harry Maguire has said "there are no excuses" for Manchester United experiencing another underwhelming Premier League campaign this coming season.
United slumped to a 15th-placed finish in the Premier League last term, resulting in them recording the club's worst season for 51 years.
Additionally, United missed out on any silverware, losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao in May, meaning they will not compete in any of the three Uefa club competitions in 2025/26.
As a result, United could, depending on their progress in the League Cup and the FA Cup, play as few as 40 matches this season, with the Premier League having to take priority. The Reds have ambitions of winning their place in Europe back for the 2026/27 campaign.
And in the opinion of Maguire, who has started just one of United's first four pre-season friendlies this summer, the amount of time they will have to prepare for league fixtures must ensure they are ready to attack each and every challenge head-on.
"I just want to be part of a successful team this season," Maguire told MUTV. "I think last season was a tough season for everyone individually, but also as a team, as a squad, as a club.
"This season, there are no excuses. We're going to have a lot of time to prepare for the Premier League games, and we've got to make sure we're ready.
"So, for myself, it's making sure I'm available, I'm fit, I'm ready to go, and give everything I can to this team and this club."
United will conclude their pre-season schedule when they face Fiorentina at Old Trafford this Saturday lunchtime.
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