UNITED'S TOUGHEST OPPONENT IS OURSELVES
Harry Maguire reckons Manchester United's toughest opponent is ourselves because the team needs to find the consistency to compete for trophies.
In an exclusive fans' Q&A, released later today in full, the centre-back made it clear that he is focused on bringing more silverware to Old Trafford, when it is decided it is safe for football to resume.
He was able to reflect on his first campaign, thus far, for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men and provide some critical perspective on the performances. Despite looking in top form before the coronavirus crisis took hold, and challenging for the Emirates FA Cup and Europa League, United's league position of fifth does not sit well with the ambitious England international.
In response to a question from Muhammad in Indonesia, Maguire said: “As a Red, our toughest opponent, probably, is ourselves. I would say that, at times this year, as a team, we have probably let ourselves down by being a bit too inconsistent. Not just for a full game but during games.
“There have been times when we've been so good in games and then we've come off it a bit and been punished. So I'd say our toughest opponent is ourselves.
“We need to be mentally strong. We are a young group but we don't really want to use that as an excuse. We want to be young but play mature. That is where we have really picked up in recent weeks.”
Another question from Indonesia, by Iwansyah Iskandar, prompted this answer from Harry, reiterating his determination to achieve the goals he set himself when signing for the Reds from Leicester City in the summer.
“I have joined this club because I want to win trophies and I want to get silverware,” he declared. “When I look back on my time at Manchester United, I want to make sure I have some trophies in that cabinet.”
Hopefully, there will be the chance to continue pursuing the FA Cup and Europa League if the competitions do get back under way at some point.
www.manutd.com