Maguire escapes Old Trafford turmoil with return to Sheffield roots

The England defender was spotted in good spirits as he took his seat near the directors' box, joining other notable faces such as Chris Kamara to watch his boyhood club secure a place in the play-off final.

The Blades cruised to a 6-0 aggregate victory over Bristol City, having already built a commanding 3-0 lead in the first leg.

Maguire's visit offered a welcome moment of respite following yet another difficult day in a United shirt. He came off the bench during Sunday's 2-0 home defeat to West Ham — a result that marked the club's 17th league loss of the season and saw them drop to 16th in the Premier League standings.

With a Europa League final against Tottenham looming, his brief return to Sheffield was likely as much about mental recovery as it was emotional connection.