Maguire still appreciates Wigan loan spell

Our no.5 made 16 appearances for the Latics during a loan spell back in 2015, a time in his career he looks back upon with fondness.

Harry, then a Hull City player, gained valuable experience with Wigan in the Championship before going on to establish himself as a Premier League defender for the Tigers and then Leicester City.

Nine years on, and with 62 England caps to his name, it is unfortunate that Maguire won’t be available to face his former side.

According to manager Erik ten Hag, he is not expected to return from injury until later this month, but he was still keen to reflect on his time at the DW Stadium ahead of the third-round tie.

“No, it was amazing. I only had two or three months there,” began Maguire.

“The fans really welcomed me, they were amazing with me. I really enjoyed playing for them. It was a difficult time for the club when I went there, but yeah I have great memories of the club.

“It’s a real good club, with good fans, passionate fans and one that I'm really appreciative of.”

It’s a first away FA Cup tie against a lower-league side for United since the 2019/20 campaign, when we eliminated Tranmere Rovers and Derby County on our way to the semi-finals.

Maguire opened his Reds account in the former fixture, at Merseyside’s Prenton Park and he remembers that strike – which won our Goal of the Month award – dampening the home support’s early enthusiasm, which is something he wants to see again on Monday.

“All these cup games when you go to the lower league teams are very good,” Harry added. “They’re great atmospheres and great grounds to play in. Tranmere was as well.

“The first goal was really important to make sure we quietened the crowd and it'll be the same on Monday night against Wigan.

“I know the atmosphere at Wigan can be good, so we've got to make sure we quieten the crowd and go there and be focused and make sure we get the win.”

The Reds are aiming to go one better in the competition this season, after June’s heartbreaking defeat to Manchester City at Wembley, as Maguire highlights the FA Cup as a priority again.

“It was obviously disappointing last season to lose in the final. But yeah, we had a great run. We’ve got to make sure that we do that and we're ready for it.

“We know every game is tough in the FA Cup, and every team is going to be up for it and they’re going to make it difficult for ourselves.

“So we've got to make sure we're ready, starting with Wigan and make sure we push on from that.”

Harry was speaking to TeamViewer Diaries for an upcoming episode - watch all past episodes here.