Maguire: Now we’ve got to go and win it

United were on the wrong end of a 3-2 scoreline on the night in Rome but came out on top in the tie to set up a meeting with Villarreal in the final later this month. 

Speaking to BT Sport after the game, the skipper shared his disappointment at the second-leg defeat along with the overriding feeling of joy at reaching his first final with the club. 

"Obviously, we don't want to lose any football match. We came in tonight wanting to win the game,” the defender explained.

“But we knew we put ourselves in a great position in the first leg so credit to the boys. Obviously, [we’re not going to] celebrate tonight's result, but we're pleased that we've overcome the semi-final stage and reached the final of a competition. Now we've got to go there and win it.”

Edinson Cavani’s two goals on the night along with an inspired performance from David De Gea at the other end certainly calmed the nerves on the night and allowed the Reds to stay in control of the tie throughout.

The skipper had fond words to say about the performances of both players, praising the pair for their roles in helping United to get the job done at the Stadio Olimpico. 

“Edinson scored two great goals and had a couple of chances as well. His movement and his work rate without the ball was excellent. He always offers us that and we always know that his movement when we have the ball is brilliant.

“He's always going to get chances when we put crosses in the box. His second goal is typical of him and what he's done throughout his career. He's a top player for us. 

“Obviously, with David, as a central defender I'm not that pleased he's had that much to do,” the skipper added. 

“I'd much prefer him not to make a save but when he was there tonight and we needed him, he pulled off big saves in big moments and that's what he's done throughout his career.”

Having got the job done in Rome, United will now face Spanish side Villarreal in Gdansk later this month.

Although attentions will turn back to finishing the season strongly in the Premier League before then, Maguire says this is a big opportunity to win a trophy in what will be the club's first final since 2018.

"The most important thing was to get through to the final. 

“For myself, the rest of the lads, everyone involved at the club, the fans, it's something to look forward to and something that we need to make sure, at this club, we're competing in on a regular basis.”