Harry Maguire has spoken exclusively to us, in his first interview as a Manchester United player
Harry, this time last year, you were preparing to kick off the season against United at Old Trafford in Leicester colours – and now it’s the place you’ll call home. How does that feel?
“It’s incredible. It’s a really proud moment for me to join such a big club, I’m really looking forward to it and I can’t wait to get started. Like you said, the first game last season was at Old Trafford – it’s the fixture that I always look for when I’ve been playing in the Premier League, Old Trafford away and now it’s my home, so I can’t wait to get started.”
How has pre-season gone for you? You must be hoping to be in contention for the first game…
“Yeah, I tend to get my head down – I’ve worked hard, I’ve done every session and I’ve played every game for Leicester so my fitness is there. That was a big part for me to play because if I ended up getting the move that I wanted, I would have been fit and in contention to play the first game. I feel like I’m ready to go, but obviously it’s the gaffer’s decision.”
What is your understanding from the manager about his plans for United, not just for this season but the future as well?
“Well, it’s a young team now and we’ve got big ambitions for the future. I think we’ve got to start winning trophies again and that’s something the gaffer wants to bring to the club, and his winning mentality as well, which will help all the boys. It’s something that I’m sure him and his staff will all try to bring to the club and we’re all looking forward to it.”
Is it exciting to be a main part of that rebuilding process?
“Yeah definitely, I think you’ve seen the players that we’ve brought in already this year. You can see they’re trying to build and improve on last season and I’m sure we’ll do that.”
Manchester United prides itself in being a family club at heart – is that something that drew you to the club, and is that something you’ve already seen on your first day here the training ground?
“Yeah, it’s an amazing club. It’s a club I’ve always watched and I’ve always looked up to when I was younger. You always dream of walking out at Wembley and Old Trafford, they’re the two big stadiums when you’re a young kid, and now I’m part of it. I’ve come here today and everyone’s been so welcoming, I can’t wait to get started and I can’t wait to meet the lads and hopefully we can kick on.”
You started out at the age of 11 at hometown team Sheffield United and used to be a ballboy at Bramall Lane – how will it feel to go back there as a Manchester United player?
“It’s incredible. Obviously they’ve done so well to get into the Premier League, so it’s going to be a great game for myself to go back to Bramall Lane, one I’m looking forward to, especially as a Man Utd player. I’ll be going to do the business, get the three points, but it’ll be a special occasion for me.”
