Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag left red-faced by Harry Maguire comments

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Ten Hag hails Maguire after Man Utd beat Copenhagen

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been forced into a drastic U-turn over Harry Maguire’s best position. The much-maligned Maguire has been in good form as a left-sided central defender in recent weeks, contrary to what his manager has previously said about his ability to perform in the role. 

Maguire has been reintegrated into the starting XI after falling out of favour under the Dutchman. Had the 30-year-old’s summer gone slightly differently, he might have been preparing to play for West Ham in their Europa League clash against Olympiacos on Thursday. 

But fate has been on Maguire’s side and his insistence that he would force his way back into Ten Hag’s plans has provided positive results. Having fallen to fourth-choice centre-back ahead of the campaign, a defensive injury crisis in the opening months of the season has seen the England star handed rare starts. 

Maguire has featured on the left of a central defensive partnership with Raphael Varane in recent weeks. He impressed against former club Sheffield United last weekend and shone against Copenhagen on Tuesday, capping a fine display with the game’s solitary goal 20 minutes from the end. 

The decision to play Maguire on the left of a defensive pairing goes against Ten Hag’s previous assessment of the defender. Back in April, the Dutchman insisted that Maguire could only play on the right and gave a brutal verdict on his former captain’s performances on the left-hand side. 

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Maguire had previously played on the left under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but Ten Hag moved him to the right after his appointment at the start of last season. 

Asked towards the end of the campaign whether Maguire would return to his old role, Ten Hag said: “Not this season. The angles are not good for Harry if he is playing on the left side, it’s difficult for him also defending in wide areas on his left foot but I think he is more capable on the right. 

“Victor is very good, he can use both feet and I think he also did a brilliant job in the rest of defence and the defensive transitions. That’s why we prefer to do it with them in this way.”

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But Ten Hag clearly believes Maguire can play to the left of a defensive partner. The United boss had the option of using Varane to the left and Maguire to the right, but went against his former opinion. 

“I have to say Harry is playing like we want him to play,” Ten Hag said on Tuesday. “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, switching, yes, I am happy with his performance.”

Maguire might have now proved that he can play on the left side of central defence, opening another option for Ten Hag. The United boss will be glad that he did not sell one of his most experienced players in the summer.

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