Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has opened up on his mental transformation, backing it to help him enjoy a superb performance in this week’s Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.
United are set to face Tottenham at San Mams on Wednesday in a clash between two struggling sides. Ruben Amorim’s men are sitting in 16th place while Tottenham are just one spot above them in 17th.
The stakes couldnt be higher for the two teams in what has been a miserable Premier League campaign for both. Beyond the chance to lift a trophy, the winner will also secure a coveted spot in next seasons Champions League.
Ahead of the match, Maguire spoke to TNT Sports and revealed that he and his teammates want to win the Europa League as a means to repay the fans for their unwavering support this term.
He told the news outlet, “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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Maguire explained that in the past, he may have been too concerned with making a mistake during a final but this time round, his primary objective is to go out there and perform as best as he can.
“People can worry about finals. When I was a young boy, you’re probably going into finals and your mentality is a bit different. You’re probably thinking, ‘I don’t want to be the one to make that mistake’, whereas now my mentality is that I want to go and perform, I want to go and play.”
“If every one of your players goes onto the pitch in a final and has that mentality that they’re going to be the best player, they’re not going to be a 6 out of 10 and just get through the game and nothing gets said about them after – they’re going to go and express themselves… that’s a big mentality we need to have going into this final.”
The England international continued, “That’s why we play for this club, this is Manchester United. When you join this club, you want to be in big finals and have the privilege to play in finals.”
“We know there’s so much pressure and there’s going to be so much spoken about the game, but you’ve got to go and enjoy it.”
United vs. Tottenham kicks off at 20:00 BST.
Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
