‘I’m really proud of how well they are doing’: Manchester United captain Harry Maguire lauds old club Sheffield United… but admits they need to ‘finish one place below us’ as they get set to battle at Old Trafford next week
- Manchester United are battling with Sheffield United for a European spot
- Harry Maguire began his career at Bramall Lane and made 166 appearances
- The United captain admits he checks the Blades’ result first on matchdays
- He hopes they finish below United in the race for the Champions League spots
Harry Maguire has admitted he is ‘proud’ of what Sheffield United have done this season but remains intent on snatching a Champions League spot away from his former club.
The Manchester United captain faces Chris Wilder’s men in a crunch battle for a European place at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old England international began his career at Bramall Lane and made 166 appearances during a three-year stint there before moving to Hull City.
Harry Maguire has admitted he is ‘proud’ of what Sheffield United have done this season
The Manchester United captain began his career at Bramall Lane and made 166 appearances
But while admitting he always looks for the Blades results first on match days, he hopes they finish below his current side.
As quoted by The Mirror, Maguire said: ‘It’s a fantastic football club and one I’m really proud of because of how well they’re doing at the moment.
‘I’m really thankful for the opportunity they gave me to start my professional career, and the faith and trust they showed in me at a young age.
‘I’m really happy with how they’re doing and theirs is the first result I look for after a game with United. Hopefully, they can finish one place below us!’
But while admitting he looks for their results, he wants to beat them to a European spot
Maguire was slammed by former Man United captain Roy Keane for his part in Tottenham forward Steven Bergwijn’s goal in the 1-1 draw in north London on Friday night.
But he claims United have enough talent to beat anyone on their day – even without the support of their fans.
‘We’re going to miss the fans. Home and away, they follow in great numbers and the support is incredible,’ Maguire told United Review, the club’s official match day programme.
Maguire also said his side have the quality to beat any side despite their draw at Tottenham
‘But it’s still about the 11 players who turn up on the day. There is enough talent in our squad to go and beat anyone.
‘One thing for sure is, every time you put a kit on with the Manchester United badge on it, you don’t need much spurring on.
‘If you can’t get motivated to win a game of football for this club then you’re in the wrong sport, to be honest.’
