Surajit Das
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag provides Harry Maguire injury update
While speaking in a press conference as quoted by Manchester Evening News, Erik ten Hag has said that Manchester United captain Harry Maguire will be available for Friday’s preseason game against Melbourne Victory at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The centre-back, who will remain United’s captain this year, was injured on Tuesday and was unable to play in United’s 4-0 victory over Liverpool in Thailand. Prior to the match on Monday, he practised separately from the main group and was not risked against Jurgen Klopp’s team.
In his place, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof started at centre back before being switched out for Eric Bailly and Alex Telles throughout the half as Ten Hag made numerous adjustments. After coming off the bench, Bailly made an impression, giving him a chance to start against Melbourne.
However, Ten Hag has now stated that Maguire will be able to participate in the first friendly match in Australia on Friday for half of the game. Whether the England defender will start, though, was not made clear by the Dutchman.
“Yes, he is available. He can play half a game.”
Maguire moved to Manchester United from Leicester City in 2019, but his stay at Old Trafford hasn’t gone as planned. The English international hasn’t lived up to the hype and has become something of a laughing stock amongst rival fans.
For Maguire, last season was one to forget. He was terrible at times for the Red Devils and if it wasn’t for David de Gea, he probably could have had more criticism drawn his way- with the Spaniard’s heroics between the posts keeping Man Utd in the hunt for Europe.
Whilst the English international has made huge mistakes he still has the faith of the manager. It would have been better for United to have him transferred, but he might work out as a useful squad player for Erik ten Hag.
The 29-year-old defender’s place in the starting XI was questioned at times last season, so he will be anxious to impress the new United manager.
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Maguire will also want to justify his position as Manchester United’s captain after making some dubious choices recently.
Prior to the friendly match against Liverpool on Tuesday in Bangkok, Ten Hag expressed his support for Maguire, and the Englishman should return the favour by setting an excellent example through his performance.
