Harry Maguire says Man Utd players surprised by ‘incredible’ backing from fans

Harry Maguire admits the Manchester United dressing room has been taken aback by the “remarkable” way fans have supported them during a disappointing campaign they are desperate to end on a high with Europa League glory.

Wednesday’s all-English final pits 16th against 17th in the Premier League in a Bilbao showpiece that will see the victor salvage their season by securing silverware and much-needed Champions League qualification.

Falling short at San Mames would mean United spend a first season without European football since 2014-15, compounding their worst top-flight campaign since suffering relegation in 1973-74.

The 20-time English league champions have been wretched on the domestic front, yet fans have stuck with the team and chanted head coach Ruben Amorim’s name throughout the dark moments.

“They’ve been absolutely incredible this season,” defender Maguire told the PA news agency. “It is surprising us players how much they are backing us.

“We’ve disappointed them far too much. We’ve given them some good times in the Europa League and some great memories in terms of winning the derby at the Etihad and things, but it’s even surprised me.

“I say they’re great fans in the world and I think this year they’ve proved that. It’s been remarkable when we get to play in front of them, even though we’re not performing.”

Maguire wants to repay the supporters by giving them memories to cherish in Spain, but knows it is “only a good day out if we come back and win the tournament”.

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— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 8, 2025

The 32-year-old repeatedly acknowledged that United’s season has been “nowhere near good enough” and used the same phraseology when describing the