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Harry’s hope
Harry Maguire insists Manchester United are determined to fill their supporters with pride in Saturday’s FA Cup Final.
The Red Devils are chasing their second trophy of the season having lifted the Carabao Cup in February and are also looking to scupper the Treble bid of their bitter rivals Manchester City.
United enter the clash as significant underdogs but club captain Maguire, 30, believes a vocal travelling support can roar their side onto victory at Wembley.
He said: “The fans have been right with us throughout the season and I think they’ve been really important to the success that we’ve had and the positive results that we’ve had.
“I think we’ve seen at Old Trafford, our results have been amazing so we know at Wembley they’re going to be there, they’re going to be loud and it’s a day that we hope we can do them proud.
“Obviously, last season was such a disappointing year for us all, as players and staff, as fans, just as a club in general. So to bounce back in such a positive manner, I think it’s really, really impressive.”
Firmer punishment
Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey wants to see teams deducted points for abuse towards match officials.
His comments come after English referee Anthony Taylor was subjected to verbal and physical abuse by Roma supporters in the wake of their Europa League final defeat to Sevilla on Wednesday.
Giallorossi boss Jose Mourinho was also fierce in his criticism of Taylor’s performance and Halsey, 61, believes football’s governing bodies must toughen their stance towards such behaviour urgently.
He said: “Fines and touchline bans are not a deterrent, so I hope Europe’s governing body acts.
“The level of abuse towards officials is evident in Europe and in English football and points deductions are the only answer.
“The FA revealed this week they are bringing this punishment into grassroots football but it should start at the top.
“I would deduct Sevilla and Roma three points from their next European campaigns with another three suspended for the rest of the group stage.”
The Premier League also released a short statement on the matter this morning, saying: “We are shocked and appalled by the unacceptable abuse directed at Anthony Taylor and his family as they travelled back from the Europa League Final.
“No one should have to suffer the inexcusable behaviour they had to endure yesterday. Anthony is one of our most experienced and accomplished match officials and we fully support him and his family.”
Changed his tune
Football icon Eric Cantona is embarking on a new career in music.
The Frenchman, best known for his spell at Manchester United between 1992 and 1997, has today released his debut single, titled The Friends We Lost.
Fans of the Marseille-born maestro, 57, can even be serenaded first-hand with concert dates confirmed for Manchester, London and Dublin this October.
Cantona explained: “Music has always been a part of my life. I’ve always had music playing. So why start today, so many years later? Simply because I had lacked the time before.
“During lockdown, I finally managed to give the guitar a serious go, and even though I’m still a poor guitarist, I felt confident enough to whip a few songs into shape”.
