Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has acknowledged that the club will always face ‘noise’ and scrutiny. The defender, who almost left last summer, has featured regularly this season due to defensive injuries. Despite reaching the FA Cup final again, United have had a turbulent time under Ten Hag, with officiating decisions and player behavior drawing criticism. Maguire emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and unity amidst the challenges. He acknowledged the pressure on players and the manager, but stressed the belief within the team that they can still achieve their goals this season, including winning the FA Cup and performing well in the Premier League.
Reflecting on the dramatic FA Cup semi-final win over Coventry, Maguire admitted to a rollercoaster of emotions. He expressed disappointment with the team’s performance in the final 20 minutes of regulation time but also relief at reaching the final. However, he highlighted the need for improvement in holding onto leads and defending better. Maguire pointed out that United have conceded soft penalties in recent games, costing them points. He acknowledged the psychological impact of conceding late goals but emphasized the experience within the team to overcome such challenges.
Maguire praised the positivity brought to the club by new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his staff. He expressed confidence in Ratcliffe’s vision to restore United to the heights of winning major trophies and league titles. Maguire highlighted that Ratcliffe has had conversations with the players and brought a positive energy to the club. The defender believes that Ratcliffe and his team have a plan and are focused on winning, which aligns with the club’s legacy.
