Former England manager Gareth Southgate stuck by Harry Maguire during his toughest periods at Manchester United, something which the resurgent defender is grateful for
Harry Maguire has credited former England boss Gareth Southgate with helping spark his revival for Manchester United. Maguire endured a difficult spell at United, a sustained spell of poor form resulting in former boss Erik ten Hag taking the captaincy off him in 2023.
Despite losing his United place and seeing team-mate Bruno Fernandes handed the captaincy, Maguire remained a key figure for England under Southgate. Southgate kept faith with Maguire and the defender said the backing of the former Three Lions boss helped him win back his place and form for United.
“I always believed, because I was always playing for my country in major tournaments,” said Maguire, who will start Wednesday’s Europa League final in Bilbao. “I went to the World Cup in Qatar and played a big part in reaching a quarter-final, and played and performed really well.
“Really the belief that came from me, maybe at that time, was playing for my country. Credit to Gareth for showing his faith and trust in me during that period. I must say I felt like I was playing really well for my country, even through negative times at this club.
“It’s nice to be back playing. It’s nice to be back helping the team. The most important thing is it’s a big cup final, and one I’m looking forward to.”
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Maguire wants to deliver the trophy for United’s fans, who’ve backed them through thick and thin both at home and abroad this season. “To be in the Europa League and to give our fans something to bring that energy and atmosphere… the atmosphere in the Europa League has been something else – it’s been incredible,” he told TNT Sports.
“We know it’s not been good enough this season, we take responsibility for that as players. We’ve had two managers and results haven’t been good enough, and that’s got to be down to us.
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“To play in a European final for Manchester United is a huge occasion. Our fans deserve it – they’ve been absolutely incredible this season. I don’t know how and why they’re sticking with us as much as they are, because we’ve disappointed them so many times.
“But they’ve stuck with us and they deserve something to celebrate. It’s going to be a great day for them, but it’ll only be a great day if we go and lift that trophy. It’s going to be a good game, a tough game, we know that Spurs will be right up for it as well, but it’s one I’m looking forward to.”
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