Harry Maguire said Manchester United could do with the same “team spirit” as rugby league side Wigan Warriors after seeing them train up close, according to Sky Sports’ Brian Carney.
England defender Maguire, Mason Mount and Andre Onana attended one of Wigan’s training sessions for a promotion ahead of the start of the new Super League season.
The session featured England internationals Maguire and Mount competing in three challenges with the squad testing their passing and kicking ability against the reigning league champions.
And they were impressed by the bond among the Warriors, who won a rare quadruple last year and were crowned BBC Sports Personality Team of the Year.
Maguire said: “I must say that the team spirit, you can see how strong and tight they are.”
Further details were revealed during the Super League launch event at the Co-op Live, in Manchester.
Rugby League broadcaster and former Warriors player Carney, who hosted the event, mentioned what 31-year-old Maguire said.
Carney said: “Maybe it will come out, Harry Maguire’s words were, ‘I think we can do with a bit of this team spirit.’”
Betfred’s head of media, Mark Pearson, joked: “If you’ve been to Old Trafford recently I am sure you will agree with that.”
United sacked Erik ten Hag after lurching from one poor performance to another at the start of the season.
But Ruben Amorim’s reign has been largely poor, a 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace marking his seventh league loss in his 13 matches in charge, and leaving them in 13th position.
However, last minute home winner, scored by Maguire, secured a 2-1 win against Leicester City to send the Red Devils through to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Matt Peet’s Wigan launch their Super League defence against Leigh Leopards on Thursday and later this month face Warrington in Las Vegas.
Several of United’s past players are rugby league fans, including Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand, Roy Keane (Wigan) and Wayne Rooney (Leeds).
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