Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has urged goalkeeper André Onana to remain focused on his responsibilities and disregard external criticism as the team prepares for the crucial Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Onana, who faced scrutiny following errors in the first leg that ended in a 2-2 draw, was subsequently omitted from the squad for the Premier League match against Newcastle.
Manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Onana will return to the starting lineup for the decisive European fixture.
Addressing the media ahead of the match, Maguire emphasized the importance of concentrating on one’s duties amidst criticism.
He stated, “You try your best to ignore it all. Focus on your job, come in on a daily basis and do your best. I always said to myself ‘that’s all you can do’.
“Tomorrow night is another game of football and you go on that pitch and you give absolutely everything. When you walk off you say to yourself I have left everything out there and no matter how you perform that is only what you can do.”
Maguire acknowledged the pressures associated with representing Manchester United, noting, “It is the same for any player who wears this badge, it comes with a responsibility to perform.
“When you don’t perform and when the league results aren’t good enough, there are people who come under the spotlight. I have been in that situation myself but all you can do is day-in day-out do your best, work as hard as possible and take each game as it comes.”
The Europa League remains Manchester United’s sole opportunity for silverware this season and a potential route to next season’s Champions League, given their current standing in the Premier League.
