Maguire says the players are ‘not mentally focused’ and deserve the blame

Harry Maguire believes that Manchester United’s problems are not related to tactics and claims that the players “are not mentally focused”.

United boss Ruben Amorim labeled his squad “perhaps the worst in the club’s history” after the defeat by Brighton at the weekend.

The Portuguese made it clear today that he is thinking of his own efforts since replacing Erik ten Hag in Novemberrather than criticize the players, but veteran defender Maguire insisted they should take their share of the blame.

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United have fallen behind in each of their last five league games and have conceded the opening goal within five minutes three times.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League game against Rangers at Old Trafford, Maguire said: “If I could explain it, we’d change it straight away.

“We have players who have won many trophies in club football, but we are not playing well enough as a team.

“We gave Brighton a goal. We talked about it before the game. The first goal against Nottingham Forest was a set piece – and against Bournemouth.

“These are not things that are a tactical problem. You have to be mentally prepared to win the match. We’re not getting small margins right now because we’re not mentally focused.”

Rangers will be a tough test – Maguire

A win against Rangers would secure United a place in the knockout stages, but Maguire is not expecting a good night against the men north of the border.

He added: “We are expecting a tough game, we know they will come here and give their all and bring a lot of support.

“They did extremely well in the competition, so we expect a tough game, but we will focus on ourselves and on playing after the heavy defeat at the weekend.

“We will go into the game with confidence that we can perform and win three points.”