Maguire says United will fight for the badge

The Reds kick off the campaign with a home game against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, with the 14:00 BST start ushering in a new era under Erik ten Hag.

Ahead of the manager's first competitive match in charge, captain Maguire spoke with club media and, while it is still very early days in the Dutchman's reign, there is a belief that there will be some noticeable signs of the boss's positive influence.

When asked what we can expect to see from the outset, against the Seagulls, the centre-back replied: "I think fight and, first and foremost, hard work.

"Running and fighting for the badge to give the fans excitement and also a team to be proud of."

Many people champion the Premier League as the best on the planet and, with new players coming in for 2022/23 across the board, it is obvious the excitement surrounding the new campaign on the 30th anniversary of the competition's inception, is more than justified.

"I think it's the best in the world," insisted the United skipper. "The best managers in the world, the best players in the world, I believe.

"And the competition as well, from the bottom to the top is fierce. It’s tense. No game is an easy game. You know you’ve got to be on your game. If you come off it, five or 10 per cent, you get punished. And that is the Premier League.”