Harry Maguire has opened up on how badly Manchester United players are 'hurting' over their horrific season in an end of season message to the club's fans.
United started the campaign under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer harbouring hopes of mounting a sustained title challenge after finishing second in the Premier League last year. But United have instead endured their worst-ever season in the Premier League era.
Solskjaer paid the ultimate price for United's poor form when he was axed back in November, but things have failed to improve under the guidance of interim boss Ralf Rangnick. And the German coach was unable to sign off in style as United slumped to a demoralising 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace in front of their new permanent manager, Erik ten Hag, who watched on from the stands at Selhurst Park.
With Manchester United's rotten season now mercifully at an end, Maguire took to social media to issue a message to the club's fans on Sunday night, with the centre-half outlining that the squad "take full responsibility" for such a disappointing season.
He tweeted: "Disappointing end to a season full of lows , we are so hurt with how this season as gone. The squad take full responsibility and we know that what we have shown is nowhere near good enough for this club."
While nobody has particularly covered themselves in glory at Old Trafford this term, Maguire has struggled more than most and has been heavily scrutinised for producing a string of shoddy performances littered with mistakes. The 29-year-old has even faced calls to be stripped of the captaincy as a result of his poor form.
Join the debate! How do you think Man Utd will fare next season under Ten Hag? Let us know here.
And his position at the club could now be under threat, with Ten Hag reportedly keen to strengthen United's spine by bringing in a central defender in the summer. Villarreal star Pau Torres is one name who has been prominently linked with a switch to Old Trafford in recent weeks.
But after performing in front of his new boss for the first time on Sunday, Maguire expressed his excitement at the Dutchman's arrival and insisted that the entire United squad are "looking forward" to working with Ten Hag, who arrives at Old Trafford fresh from guiding Ajax to a third Dutch title.
"The lads have not seen or spoken to him yet," Maguire said speaking to BBC Sport. "I am sure he has an eye on our game and fixture today. We are all looking forward to working with him."
