Harry Maguire believes Manchester United are starting the new season 'from scratch' as they seek to make up for the failures of the past 12 months.
United's decline since Ferguson has reached a historic low with a 15th-place finish – their worst ever in the Premier League – and even reaching the Europa League final, where they lost to Tottenham, could not hide that decline.
However, the signings of big names such as Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Cesc, as well as a £50million upgrade to the training ground, have given United a fresh start to the new season.
They face old rivals Arsenal in their opening game of the season on Sunday and Maguire, speaking on Rio Ferdinand's podcast, said: “The lads are working hard and there's a great atmosphere around the club.”
“We strive for success and do everything we can to achieve it. Sometimes we realize that things haven't been going so well lately and we haven't been able to provide our fans with what they expect.
“I feel like this is a kind of fresh start and I hope it will be successful.”
Maguire, who missed the start of United's pre-season tour due to personal reasons, joined United six years ago from Leicester for £80million, then a world record for a defender.
His transfer is one of United's most impressive spends, but the club have failed to achieve consistent success under any manager in the 12 years since Sir Alex Ferguson left.
Maguire said: “There was obviously a transition period when Sir Alex was here and we had an outstanding team and we won all the trophies. But the reality is we are not a top team any more.”
“You have to be able to handle pressure and play like you're on the playground. I think that's what we've been trying to do over the last 10 years.”
Maguire attracted a mixed reaction at Old Trafford and his days appeared to be numbered under former manager Erik ten Hag, who removed the England centre-back as captain
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
