‘One of the lowest points’; Maguire seeks retribution but denies special Man Utd mission
Harry Maguire insists the motivation for Manchester United on Tuesday is not to dent Liverpool’s quadruple bid but to gain revenge for October’s thrashing.
The Red Devils travel to Anfield looking to boost their hopes of a top-four finish. Ralf Rangnick’s side currently sit fifth in the Premier League standings, three points behind Tottenham. Victory over the Reds would see them join Spurs on 57 points but remain fifth due to a vastly inferior goal difference.
Liverpool have another agenda as they are embroiled in an epic battle with Manchester City for the title. Jurgen Klopp’s men are just a single point adrift of the table-topping Citizens, with both clubs having seven games to play.
City host Brighton on Wednesday but may have been knocked off their perch by then if the Merseysiders take all three points. Indeed, a draw would be enough to see Liverpool secure top spot as they have a superior goal difference.
The rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool will always be there even with the current gulf in expectations. A few pundits have suggested that the Old Trafford outfit will look to spoil Liverpool’s hopes of the title.
But Maguire disagrees, telling Sky Sports: “I don’t think that’s part of our motivation to be honest.
“I think the motivation is going to Anfield, playing against Liverpool and winning a football match and getting three points for this club and the fans.
“The fans have stuck with us throughout this season, they turn up in their numbers wherever they go. They’ve been amazing in such a difficult season.
“For us to go to Anfield, perform well and get the three points, it would be a huge moment for us to give to the fans. So I think that’s the big motivation for us.”
Maguire out to set record straight
It has been a tough season for United and Maguire in particular, with Cristiano Ronaldo digging them out of a hole on many occasions. The veteran was at it again on Saturday. He bagged his second hat-trick in three league starts as United beat Norwich 3-2.
Ronaldo was part of the side beaten 5-0 at home by Liverpool on October 24. And Maguire feels that getting some payback for that humbling is motivation enough.
“Yeah for sure,” he replied when asked if United want revenge. “Like you say that was such a low point, the lowest point of the season. One of the lowest points of my career.
“You don’t need motivation to play in these games. It’s such a big rivalry, when you join this club you know the rivalry, it’s one of the biggest in the world.
“It’s a game we’ve got to look forward to. We know we’re going to have to play at our best to get something, and that’s what we’ve got to prepare for.”
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