Harry Maguire aims five-word dig at Tottenham star in Europa League final reaction
The tension between the two players began in the first half after a contentious moment involving Romero and United striker Rasmus Højlund. The Argentine defender went to ground clutching his face and rolling in apparent agony following a challenge. However, Maguire was unimpressed by what he perceived as theatrics from the Spurs defender.
Cameras caught the England international confronting Romero, seemingly exclaiming, “You’re the captain, come on!”—a clear expression of his disbelief and disappointment at Romero’s exaggerated reaction.
Maguire’s reaction hinted at his belief that Romero, as Tottenham’s leader, should set an example of toughness and sportsmanship, rather than engaging in what he viewed as play-acting. Romero eventually got back on his feet and continued playing, but the tension between the two lingered.
Their confrontation didn’t end there. During the second half, the pair continued to exchange words, with tempers flaring as United desperately tried to find a way back into the game. However, Spurs maintained control of the match, largely thanks to Brennan Johnson’s decisive first-half goal, which ultimately proved to be the winner.
Following the full-time whistle, things appeared to escalate once again.
As Romero made his way across the pitch to shake hands and offer his commiserations to the United players, he approached Maguire. Rather than accept the gesture, Maguire appeared to ignore the World Cup winner, shoving him and gesturing angrily for him to return to his side of the pitch. Match officials and staff quickly stepped in to diffuse the situation before it boiled over.
This heated exchange seemed to be the boiling point of a frustrating evening for Maguire, who had already spoken candidly in the lead-up to the final about his disappointment with Manchester United’s season. “It wouldn’t save the season,” he admitted when asked if a Europa League win would redeem their campaign. “It’s been disappointing. There have been too many games we’ve lost, and we’ve been far too inconsistent. It’s been a tough season.”
He added, “Football is about memories, about lifting trophies and creating something special for the fans. That’s what they deserve, and this was a big opportunity for us.” Unfortunately for Maguire and United, that opportunity slipped away, and the defeat only deepens what is now widely regarded as one of the most disappointing seasons in the club’s modern history.
To make matters worse, United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League means they’ll face significant financial repercussions next season, with reduced revenue and fewer incentives to offer potential summer signings. The club now finds itself in a challenging position, needing to rebuild not just their squad, but also their reputation among Europe’s elite.
The Europa League final loss was a bitter pill to swallow for United fans, and the clash between Maguire and Romero was a stark reminder of the frustrations that have plagued the Red Devils throughout a tumultuous campaign.