In a candid admission, Manchester United’s captain, Harry Maguire, says the club’s players must accept their share of the blame for the turbulent season that has unfolded at Old Trafford, despite a rousing 3-0 triumph against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-finals last night.
Maguire, who has emerged as a beacon of resilience amidst a challenging campaign, recently grabbed headlines with a dramatic late winner against Lyon in the quarter-finals. However, following the victory over Bilbao, the England defender struck a reflective tone, acknowledging the squad’s failure to swiftly adapt to the managerial shift from Erik ten Hag to Ruben Amorim in November.
“It’s been disappointing; we have been inconsistent, and frankly it has been quite a mess, particularly during the transition period,” Maguire admitted. “We, the players, did not shoulder the responsibility adequately. The integration into new managerial strategies should have been smoother. It’s a reality we must face up to.”
Despite United’s march towards the Europa League final, Amorim cautioned that even winning the competition might not redeem their lacklustre season. Maguire echoed this sentiment, urging that although trophies create cherished memories and their pursuit remains vital, it wouldn’t mask the overall disappointment of the campaign.
Reflecting on his tenure at the club, Maguire pointed out, “I wouldn’t say it’s my best season. The first couple of years were remarkable – clean sheets galore and strong finishes in the league. However, this season’s pivotal moments have been noteworthy, if anything.”
Heading into a potential Europa League final, the spotlight remains on whether the club can convert their missteps into motivation, bringing the possibility of new silverware to satisfy their ever-passionate supporters. Yet, regardless of how events unfold, Maguire’s self-awareness offers a refreshingly honest perspective on the responsibilities of the storied club’s stars in uncharted waters.
READ MORE ON MANCHESTER UNITED: