Harry Maguire has said the Manchester United squad have been overwhelmed by the “wonderful” support from fans during a disappointing season in which the club were looking to end on a positive note by lifting the Europa League trophy.
Wednesday sees an all-English final between the Premier League's 16th and 17th-placed teams in Bilbao, with the winner set to salvage their season by securing trophies and a much-needed Champions League spot.
Defeat at San Mames means United will go through their first season without European football since 2014-15, which would be the club's worst season in the top flight since they were relegated in 1973-74.
The 20-time English champions were showing terrible results in the championship, but the fans continued to support the team and chant the name of head coach Ruben Amorim in the most difficult moments.
“The fans have been incredible this season,” defender Maguire told the PA news agency. “We as players have been amazed at how much they support us.
“We have disappointed them too often. We gave them some good moments in the Europa League and some great memories, including winning the Etihad derby and things like that, but this surprised even me.
“I say they are the greatest fans in the world and I think they proved that this year. It was great to play in front of them, even with our shortcomings.”
Maguire wants to thank the fans by giving them memories of Spain, but he knows “it will only be a good day if we come back winning the tournament.”
The 32-year-old has repeatedly said United's season has been “far from ideal” and has used the same wording to describe the team's performances in both penalty areas.
Such shortcomings have allowed Spurs to win all three of their meetings with United in a season that has long been one of either failure or failure in Bilbao for the hapless Red Devils.
“We understand that this is a very important game for everyone – and for the fans after such an unsuccessful season
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
