Last season was one to forget for Manchester United, but Harry Maguire says the mood inside the dressing room feels completely different this time around.
After a messy first few months under Ruben Amorim, the squad has finally had a proper pre-season — and Maguire believes that’s already making a huge difference.
A Turbulent Start Under Amorim
When Amorim took over from Erik ten Hag last winter, expectations were high.
The Portuguese coach arrived from Sporting CP with a big reputation and a mission to rescue a faltering season.
Instead, he walked into a squad struggling to adapt to his preferred 3-4-3 system, battling inconsistent results and internal tension.
Things got messy off the pitch too. Marcus Rashford pushed for a loan move during the January window, and Amorim had a rocky relationship with young star Alejandro Garnacho.
By the end of the campaign, United were sitting 16th in the league and had missed out on European football after losing to Tottenham in the Europa League final.
A Fresh Pre-Season and New Faces
Now, with a full pre-season under his belt and fresh signings including Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, Amorim has a chance to reset.
Maguire says the atmosphere in the squad has completely shifted.
“I feel like it’s almost a fresh start,” he told Rio Ferdinand’s podcast.
“We want to be challenging at the top again. The new lads look great, and having a full pre-season with the manager has been massive.”
Fitness and Physicality Were a Problem
Maguire didn’t shy away from admitting one of last season’s biggest issues — the squad simply wasn’t fit enough for the Premier League.
“We couldn’t run hard enough. We didn’t win enough duels,” he said.
This summer, Amorim’s training sessions have focused on improving sharpness and stamina.
Maguire says the difference is already visible: “The lads are looking leaner, sharper, and there’s real competition for places now.”
Getting Comfortable with a Back Three
Another big change is how the team plays out from the back.
Maguire explained that Amorim’s system demands aggressive, front-foot defending — something they couldn’t fully execute last season due to fitness limitations.
He also addressed criticism about the formation. “
People think we’re always a back five, but in reality, we switch between a back three, four, and five during games,” Maguire said.
The goal now is to press higher, move the ball faster, and cut out risky short passes deep in their own third.
Looking Ahead to the New Campaign
Maguire’s own future remains uncertain as he enters the final year of his contract with interest coming from European clubs.
But for now, his focus is firmly on the season ahead.
United’s first real test comes quickly — a clash against last year’s title contenders Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
For Maguire, Amorim, and the new-look United, it’s the perfect chance to show that the reset is more than just talk.
