Harry Maguire ‘playing how Man Utd want’, says manager Erik ten Hag
England defender Harry Maguire is “playing like we want him to”, says Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.
Maguire, 30, started United’s last two Premier League games, helping them to 2-1 victories over Brentford and Sheffield United.
The center-back was stripped of his captaincy at United in July after being heavily linked with a move to West Ham.
“I am happy with his performance,” said Ten Hag after Maguire’s man of the match performance at Bramall Lane.
“I have to say Harry is playing like we want him to play. Very proactive out of possession, dominating his opponent, stepping in when necessary, reading the game, good covering but also in possession very proactive, stepping in, delivering good passes and switching.”
Maguire was a key part of the England teams that reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and Euro 2020 final, but a downturn in form led to widespread criticism in newspapers, online and on social media.
He was booed by fans while playing for England, during 2022 friends against Ivory Coast and Germany, and United, in pre-season friends abroad for the last two seasons.
In September, Maguire’s mother said the abuse he faced had been “disgraceful” and “unacceptable”, while England boss Gareth Southgate said his treatment by fans was “ridiculous”.
United’s win on saturday evening cam after news of Sir Bobby Charlton’s passing – the former England World Cup winner scored 249 goals in 758 games for Manchester United.
