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Harry Maguire insists that players will fight for the badge

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has vowed that his side will ‘fight for the badge’ as they prepare for the opening game of the campaign.

The Red Devils are set to host Brighton & Hove Albion, with Erik ten Hag taking charge for the first time in the Premier League.

Last season was a disaster for United supporters, as they saw their side finish in sixth place.

Their shambolic performances in the European and cup competitions did not do them any favours either. 

Ten Hag has been given the task of rebuilding the team and bringing back the glory days. 

The Dutchman announced at the start of the pre-season that Maguire will remain as the captain of the club.

This announcement did raise a few eyebrows as the centre-back had a season to forget last term.

The 29-year-old was exposed too easily due to his lack of pace. His leadership qualities also came into question as United failed to find any consistency throughout the season.

However, the England international assured that his side will fight and make fans proud.

Talking to ManUtd.com, he said: “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.”

He also praised the quality of the Premier League, saying there is nowhere else he would rather play.

“I think it’s the best in the world,” Maguire added. “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.”

False promises won’t work this time

When you are donning the red jersey, the least fans expect is that players will fight for the badge.

The squad has been criticised massively over the last few months for not showing enough desire to play at Old Trafford.

However, Maguire believes that the new look side under Ten Hag will flourish.

The Dutchman had a decent pre-season, losing only one game to Atletico Madrid. The only question remains if the players will continue to buy into his style of play. 

The United captain is aware of the intense scrutiny focused on him.

He still needs to justify the whopping £80 million fee the club paid to pry him away from Leicester City.

His short message ahead of the game does boost the confidence of the supporters but it’s high time they showed the same commitment on the pitch.