Manchester United who are currently in one of their worst league runs in history with a club-record 18 losses in the Premier League, still have the fans support behind them, a fact that has even surprised their own players. United, however, still has a chance to repay their fans this season if they can win the Europa League against Tottenham in Bilbao on Wednesday.
“They’ve been absolutely incredible this season. It is surprising us players how much they are backing us. We’ve disappointed them far too much. I say they’re the greatest 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,” defender Harry Maguire said.
“Two months ago, we should have been in a better position where we are fighting for a Europa League position and the Champions League positions. That is what this club demands. When we found ourselves out of the (League Cup) and FA Cup it gave us an opportunity in the Europa League. We know this season has been nowhere near good enough for this club and for our standards. Next season, I know we will improve,” he added.
The final of the Europa this season has a bizarre feel to it with United, who are 16th in the 20-team Premier League standings taking on Spurs, who are 17th. The other three teams under them have all gotten relegated to the Championships, the second tier of English football.
While both teams have endured historically bad campaigns, for United the slide has been spectacular after dominating English soccer for 20 years under former manager Alex Ferguson. Now it is 12 years since it last won the Premier League title — in Ferguson’s final campaign before retiring — and it looks a long way off competing at the top again.
But there is hope within the club that the Europa League could spark a revival and in recent months the focus has been on winning European club football’s second tier trophy.
(With agency inputs)
