Erik ten Hag has referred to Harry Maguire’s role in the Manchester United squad.
It’s no secret that the 29-year-old has fallen out of favor since Ten Hag’s arrival at Old Trafford and it’s largely due to the first two games under his managerial reign, which saw United lose the first two games. of the Premier League season. with an aggregate score of 6-1.
Since then, Maguire has been used sparingly and has been named in the starting line-up just once more all season, with the manager opting for a centre-back partnership with Raphael Varane and summer signing Lisandro Martínez. The pair have looked well-suited and invaluable in United’s back line.
When the Frenchman was injured against Chelsea in October, the responsibility fell to Victor Lindelof, who was deployed in Varane’s absence. Lindelof fell ill shortly before the Red Devils’ clash with West Ham and as a result Maguire started.
Given his strong performances representing England in Qatar, questions are now being raised about what role the defender will play when club football resumes.
Ten Hag’s comments on Maguire’s situation
Ten Hag spoke about his club captain to The Athletic: “I can only endorse him. 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. And then 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 he is now, he is a very important player for us and that is what everyone expects. That’s what Harry expects of himself. He has that high level, he wants to play at the highest level, he wants to lead the defensive line, so it’s up to him. I’m sure he has the potential to play with our style and fit into our system.
“He has, for England, good games almost all the time. He had a spell in Manchester where he underperformed and then, of course, there are difficulties, but when he has confidence in himself, he will put him on the pitch.
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“When he’s working hard you get that confidence and you’re seeing it with the way he plays for England. We want him to bring that back to Manchester United. I expect from him, the team knows what it expects from him. If he does, he’ll be a great player for us.
“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 there in the right-centre position.
“Rapha is doing a good job. There are laws of the game in top football where you have to seize your chance. Your opportunity will always come. All he has to do is train well, perform well. He has matches, he has rhythm and his chance will come.”
