Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has spoken out about club captain Harry Maguire after the defender’s heartbreaking elimination from the World Cup quarter-final with England.
Ten Hag was asked about his thoughts on Maguire and what his plans are for the 29-year-old future.
Ten Hag spoke to The Athletic’s Andy Mitten, where he praised the Englishman for his courageous performances for the Three Lions.
The United manager called Maguire “a good factor in England’s defensive line.”
Ten Hag was asked why he did not frequently pick Maguire for the Red Devils, preferring instead a centre-back partnership with Lisandro Martínez and World Cup winner Raphael Varane.
The Dutchman replied: “That was nothing against him. I am in a good position because they are consistent and stable, and our centre-backs are at a very high level.
“I can only endorse it. I have been asked many times if he is good enough (to play for me) and it is clear that he is good enough to play at the highest level.”
“So it’s up to him to show that confidence on the pitch. He didn’t show it in every game. When he plays with confidence like now, he is a very important player for us and that is what everyone expects”.
Ten Hag added that these are the high standards that Maguire upholds and should strive to achieve in order to force the manager’s hand in regards to first-team selection.
The United manager reiterated that his plan for Maguire is to help him translate his displays in England into consistent performances for the Old Trafford club.
On why he prefers Varane, especially Maguire, Ten Hag responded: “When I choose Rapha it’s nothing against Harry. Sometimes it’s because one player is much better than the other. But I think I have two or three good players in the right-central position.”
Mitten asked Ten Hag if he would consider parting ways with Maguire and selling him. Ten Hag stated that he was not on his mind and that he would only consider doing so if Maguire no longer wants to be a part of the project at the club.
Finally, the former Ajax coach assured that the boss’s opportunity will come and that the player must prepare and give himself the best possible opportunity to seize the opportunity when it arrives.
