Erik ten Hag shares the difference he has spotted in Harry Maguire at Manchester United
Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, says he is observing a “different Harry Maguire” than the center back he saw at the beginning of the season.
Maguire was recalled for United’s 2-0 victory over Everton in the Premier League, and United have won their last 10 matches when Maguire has started.
The 30-year-old may return to the bench for Thursday’s Europa League quarterfinal first leg against Sevilla, but Maguire has started three of United’s last five games.
The victory over Everton was only Maguire’s 13th club appearance of the season, and he has not returned to the starting lineup since a 4-0 loss at Brentford on August 13. Given this setback, Ten Hag is impressed with Maguire’s game improvement.
“It’s not that easy for Harry and if you then deliver the performance he did today, really well done,” Ten Hag beamed. “In and out of possession, dominating and dictating. That is my demand on him and he transferred that to the pitch.
“This is a different Harry Maguire to what I’ve seen in the first weeks and months. He’s taking so much initiative, dominating his opponent, stepping in, bringing passes, so a really great performance from Harry.”
United attempted a record 21 shots on goal against Everton in the first half, the most since records began in 2003-04, but only led 1-0 at halftime.
The modest victory leaves United with an unimpressive goal differential of +7, and an apparent groin injury to Marcus Rashford could deprive the team of its leading scorer for future contests.
Ten Hag was pleased with United’s “brilliant” performance despite the loss.. “As long as you don’t score the second you always have to fear, they only need one chance then and we conceded only one chance in the whole game.
“We conceded two chances in two games (against Everton and Brentford) and we created a lot of chances. And that in the third game in six days, a credit to the team, two really good results, showed great mentality, character, so we’re happy with that.
“We know what we are capable of and you see this team is still improving. Today it was brilliant football. In the first half, we created so many chances. Midfield was playing really well, there was a lot of speed and direct play in front. The only thing is we have to be more clinical, score more goals.”
Erik ten Hag shares the difference he has spotted in Harry Maguire at Manchester United
