RED PAST INSPIRES MAGUIRE

HARRY MAGUIRE feels the expectation that comes with the weight of Manchester United’s history – even when he’s playing in an empty stadium.

The United captain led Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team in a 1-1 draw at Tottenham on Friday night and is set for an emotional encounter against his former club Sheffield United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

Sheffield-born Maguire (below) said: “We’re going to miss the fans. Home and away, they follow in great numbers and the support is incredible. But we know they’re going to be in front of their TVS, watching us, shouting us along and the main thing is we want to put smiles back on their faces.

“Every time you put a kit on with the Manchester United badge, you don’t need much spurring on.

“You know how big the club is, the history, and it’s such an iconic club.

“If you can’t get motivated to win a game of football for this club, then you’re in the wrong sport.

“Maybe it does take away the home fans making the atmosphere uncomfortable for the away team, but it’s still about the 11 players who turn up on the day.

“There is enough talent in our squad to go and beat anyone. We’re fully focused on ourselves and are not looking at it being home or away.

“We’re just seeing every game as a chance to try to get the three points and perform at our best.”

Maguire, who started his career at Bramall Lane, added: “Sheffield United’s a fantastic club and I am really thankful for the opportunity they gave me to start my career.

“I’m really happy with how they’re doing and theirs is the first result I look for after a game with United.

“Hopefully, they can finish one place below us!”