Harry Maguire is determined to repay Manchester United fans for their loyalty this season and admitted “we have disappointed them”.
United will face Tottenham in the Europa League final in Bilbao tomorrow evening hoping to win the trophy, qualify for the Champions League and save something from a miserable season.
Ruben Amorim’s team is 16th in the Premier League, a point and a place above the Spurs, and are guaranteed to finish in their lowest position since renowned theft in 1992.
Despite this, fans have remained widely favorable and they will go to the Basque Country in large numbers in the hope of seeing their team win their first European crown since 2017.
Players surprised by the loyalty of fans
And Maguire says that their unconditional support did not go unnoticed in the locker room.
The English international told ESPN: “[The fans] I was absolutely incredible this season, it is surprising for us the players how much they support us.
“We have too disappointed them. We gave them good moments in the Europa League and great memories in terms of victory of the derby in Etihad and things, but it even surprised me.
“It was remarkable when we can play in front of them, even if we do not play.
“This is why I think they deserve it. We have an excellent opportunity to win the Cup final and give them that day. It is only a good day if we return and win the tournament.”
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The rotation contributed to the struggles of the Premier League
Amorim has been happy to rotate his team in recent weeks, prioritizing the Europa League during the Premier League, given the huge price at stake.
And Maguire thinks that this has contributed to their lamentable domestic form with United currently in the middle of a race without a victory of eight games.
“We know that this season is far from pretty good,” he added.
“I think there is no doubt that it was really difficult. The last two months, without saying too much, we have focused on the Europa League in terms of the departure XI.
“It was frustrating. It shouldn’t be like that. Two months ago, we should have been in a better position where we are fighting for a Europa League position and the positions of the Champions League. This is what this club requires.
“We know that this season has been far from good enough for this club and for our standards. Next season, I know we will improve. ”
