As Manchester United prepare for their Europa League final clash against Tottenham on Wednesday in Bilbao, defender Harry Maguire has emerged as both an unlikely wing wizard and a steady force in the backline. Despite his surprise attacking cameos in earlier rounds, the England international hopes to stick to his preferred central defensive role in what could be a season-defining game.
Maguire, 32, made headlines during the Europa League knockout stages first scoring a decisive goal in United’s 7-6 aggregate quarter-final win over Lyon, and later contributing an assist from an unexpected wide position in the semi-final thrashing of Bilbao, which United won 7-1 on aggregate.
Speaking ahead of the final, Maguire laughed off suggestions that he’s being turned into an attacking force under manager Ruben Amorim. “The manager has me dribbling every day in training,” he quipped. “No, listen, I found myself on the wing against Bilbao and managed to put a good cross in... But tomorrow, I hope I’m not going up front. I want to be defending the lead.”
After a turbulent stint under former manager Erik ten Hag, where he lost his starting role and the club captaincy, Maguire has enjoyed a resurgence this season under Amorim, becoming a regular in the starting XI. Reflecting on his journey, he said: “This season I have played a lot of football. I don’t take too much notice of the plaudits or the criticism. When you play for this club, you can be a hero one week and a villain the next.” Maguire stressed the importance of staying level-headed and consistent, stating that his focus is solely on giving his best for the team, regardless of outside noise.
With Manchester United currently languishing in 16th place in the Premier League and set for their lowest league finish since 1974, the Europa League final represents a golden chance to turn around a disastrous season. A win in Bilbao would secure Champions League qualification and offer a morale-boosting trophy for the club and fans alike.
Club captain Bruno Fernandes, who has scored seven goals in the Europa League this season, echoed those sentiments. “We want to be at the top of everything not just the Europa League, but also the Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup. This club needs to fight for everything,” Fernandes said.
He emphasized the potential long-term benefits of a trophy win: “It won’t change the past, but it can affect the future. Winning this competition gives us Champions League football, brings revenue, and makes the club more attractive to top players.” The final against Tottenham will not only determine European qualification but also set the tone for Manchester United’s rebuilding phase. With veterans like Maguire leading from the back and Fernandes pushing the charge up front, United aim to leave behind the chaos of the season and end it with a decisive and meaningful triumph.
