“Nowhere near good enough” – Maguire admits Man Utd’s dismal season must end with Europa League win

Harry Maguire has delivered a blunt assessment of Manchester United’s dismal Premier League campaign, admitting the team has been “nowhere near good enough” as they prepare for a last-ditch shot at silverware in the Europa League final against Tottenham on Wednesday, May 21, in Bilbao.

United currently languish in 16th place with one league game remaining, making this their worst top-flight season since their 1973-74 relegation. The only glimmer of salvation now lies in Europe, where manager Ruben Amorim is seeking his first trophy since taking charge of the club amid persistent turmoil.

“As players, we have to take responsibility for the position in the Premier League and the money we have generated this season through that finish, which is nowhere near good enough,” said Maguire, 32.

“It shouldn’t be like that. Two months ago, we should have been in a better position, fighting for a Europa League position or the Champions League positions.”

Champions League hopes ride on final

Despite sitting a staggering 27 points behind the Premier League’s top five, United still have a pathway to the Champions League next season—but only if they defeat Spurs in Bilbao.

For Amorim, who has endured a nightmare debut season filled with inconsistent performances and mounting pressure, the final represents a chance to both salvage pride and secure continental relevance.

United’s European run has offered a much-needed escape for fans, who’ve stayed largely supportive despite the club’s domestic meltdown.

“We’ve disappointed them far too much,” Maguire admitted.

“We’ve given them some good times in the Europa League and some great memories in terms of winning the derby at the Etihad, but overall it’s even surprised me. They are great fans and this year they’ve proved that.”

A personal mission for Maguire

For Maguire, the stakes are also deeply personal. He missed the 2021 Europa League final against Villarreal due to injury—an absence he still feels may have impacted the outcome.

“Missing that game was the big one for me. That hurt a lot,” he recalled.

“I was captain of the club at the time and a big part of that team. Maybe the result would have been different if I’d been fit. That’s what I felt.”

Now 32, the England centre-back is determined to help his side lift their sixth major European title, urging his teammates to rise to the occasion.

“We believe in ourselves. We have got to make sure we put the percentages in our favour in terms of turning up, giving absolutely everything and performing on the day.”

With their league season all but written off, all eyes are on Bilbao—where glory or another gut-wrenching defeat could define United’s identity under Amorim.