Erik ten Hag hails “magnificent” Manchester United defender Harry Maguire after West Ham United clash
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has hailed Harry Maguire for his showing against West Ham United. The Red Devils took on the Hammers on Sunday (30 October) at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
Marcus Rashford gave the Old Trafford side the lead in the first half after placing a ferocious header past Lukasz Fabianski. David Moyes’ team created several chances throughout the second 45 but were unable to put the ball in the back of the net.
Maguire started his first game in the English top flight for the Old Trafford side since the 4-0 defeat at the Gtech Community Stadium at the hand of Brentford.
Our captain played alongside Lisandro Martinez in the backline. The Argentine has formed a great partnership with Raphael Varane in recent weeks. However, the 2018 French World Cup winner is sidelined due to injury.
Victor Lindelof was also unavailable for the game against West Ham. And this presented Maguire with the opportunity to make a claim for a place in the team once again. And the England international did not disappoint.
Speaking to BBC’s Match of the Day (h/t The Sun) after the 1-0 win over the London-based club, Ten Hag was full of praise for Maguire. The Dutch manager was delighted with the 29-year-old’s performance.
“He was magnificent in protecting the box.
“He is a great player and a really good defender and we have seen how important he is for the squad.
“I am really happy for the team of course but also Harry Maguire as he came off the pitch with a clean sheet.”
Ten Hag had dropped Maguire from the starting XI after the opening two games of the 2022/23 campaign. The centre-back had primarily played for the Red Devils in the Europa League.
Our captain has had a torrid time since last season. And he has seemed short of confidence under the Dutch manager as well. Most fans have been underwhelmed by the defender.
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However, Maguire’s display against West Ham will put some supporters at ease. Hopefully, it will also spur the England international to get back to his best and help the Old Trafford side challenge for silverware this term.