Breaking: Manchester United’s Maguire Admits Poor Form Under Amorim, Eyes Europa League Final as Lifeline; Hints at Past Seasons as Better
Maguire Blames United’s Stumbles on Players, Eyes Europa League Triumph
Manchester United’s Harry Maguire spoke openly about the Red Devils’ disappointing season under manager Ruben Amorim, emphasizing that the players hold the majority of the blame. Although United finds itself in 14th position in the Premier League with just four games left, Maguire believes they still have a shot at redemption via the Europa League.
Fearless assessment from Maguire
Following United’s 3-0 victory over Athletic Club in the Europa League semi-final first leg, Maguire admitted to reporters that the players have not been performing up to par since Amorim’s appointment in November 2022. In 23 Premier League games under the Portuguese coach, United has claimed a mere 39 points and lost 11 matches, struggling to adapt to the 3-4-3 system.
“The season’s been disappointing… Far too inconsistent.” – Harry Maguire
Did you know? Manchester United is the only unbeaten team left in Europe’s top-tier club competitions this season, a fact Maguire acknowledged as they sit on the cusp of reaching the Europa League final.
Reflecting on his time at United
When asked if the current campaign had been his best at United, Maguire candidly responded, “No, I wouldn’t say it’s my best season at the club.” He noted that his first two seasons (2019-20 and 2020-21) saw him help guide the team to finishes of third and second in the Premier League, respectively, while keeping the most clean sheets in Europe.
Pro Tip: Maguire believes that United’s senior players must step up and handle crucial moments better for the team to succeed.
Eyes on the prize: Europa League glory
Maguire expressed confidence in United’s strong position ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford next week, acknowledging the importance of winning football matches at home. He recognized that anything can happen in a match but emphasized the need to remain calm and focused, even if Athletic Club scores first.
Reader Question: Can United turn their league form around next season, or will another manager change be necessary?
FAQs
- Q: How far can Manchester United climb in the Premier League with the remaining fixtures?
- A: Even with four games left, United’s maximum points total would be 53. They would need an improbable set of results for other teams to overhaul them and finish in the top seven.
- Q: Who are the other semi-finalists in the Europa League?
- A: United’s opponent, Athletic Club, will face either AS Roma or Flynn in the final. Roma and Flynn are set to play their semi-final second leg on Thursday.
Stay tuned to 247sports.new for more updates on Manchester United and the Europa League as the season reaches its climax. Don’t forget to follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Featured image: Clive Brunskill via Getty Images
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- Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has taken responsibility for the team’s inconsistent form under manager Ruben Amorim, admitting that the players have not adapted well to the new coaching staff’s methods.
- Maguire, who has been a mainstay in the United defense since his £80 million move from Leicester City in 2019, believes that the players must take responsibility for their performances this season. He also praised the team’s Europa League form, with United the only unbeaten side left in the competition.
- Speaking after United’s 3-0 victory over Athletic Club in the Europa League semi-final first leg, Maguire said: "The season’s been disappointing, there’s been too many games that we’ve lost, far too inconsistent.
- "It’s been a bit of a mess in the middle of the season, the transition period we didn’t handle it well enough, us players. We didn’t take the responsibility well enough from moving manager to manager and we took too long in embedding into new ideas."
- United have won just four of their 23 Premier League games under Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag at the end of November 2022. The Red Devils currently sit 14th in the league, with four games remaining.
- However, Maguire was buoyed by United’s Europa League form, which has seen them win all eight of their matches so far. United now have one foot in the final ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford next week.
- "It’s been a difficult season, it’s been a disappointing season but of course, football is about memories, it’s about creating memories, it’s about winning trophies and we have a great opportunity to win a trophy," Maguire said.
- "For our fans, that’s what they deserve, so that’s the most important thing. We’ll be going into that game next Thursday to win the game because that’s the mentality we must have."