In a relief for Manchester United center-back Harry Maguire, Erik ten Hag has revealed that he counts on him for the next season.
Maguire has faced immense criticism from all side after delivering disastrous performances for United in his 3 years so far at the club.
Moreover, after signing him for £80 million from Leicester City, big things were expected from him. But the 29-year-old has consistently failed to provide United the strength in their backline.
However, new man at the helm, Ten Hag has placed full faith in Maguire after earlier backing him to retain the captain’s armband.
‘A first-choice player’- Ten Hag on Harry Maguire
Despite his £80 million arrival, United’s slippery in defense has continued, or can be said even become worse. Maguire has managed only 51 clean-sheets at the club in his 144 appearances in all competitions.
Ten Hag however has once again jumped into the defense of his player. Earlier the Dutchman had confirmed that Maguire will remain his captain, and now believes the defender is his ‘first-choice’ player.
While speaking in his recent presser Ten Hag said, “We have good centre-halves and Harry is one of them. He can play on the left side and on the right. I think he is (a first-choice player).
“He’s proved it in the past but he also has to prove it in the present time and in the future.”
Ten Hag further added, “He has played 46 times for England. Harry is really impressive and I expect a lot from him. But there is also internal competition and that is what a club like Man United needs.”
However, the manager also warned that players cannot expect to start every game with a busy schedule ahead of them.
“You cannot win with 11 players. We need a squad, especially this season with so many games. We have the Europa League, the Premier League and the World Cup, so we need a full squad with high-quality players.”
Further on, Ten Hag pressed on the captain’s issue as well, stating that he is ‘happy’ with Maguire’s leadership.
“I always see the captaincy as an issue that I dictate. The team building for me is an important point and I always talk about a group of leaders. The captain is a really important one and I’m happy with him [Maguire].
“It can help (give him more confidence). I will support him everywhere I can. In the end, he has to do it by himself, and he has the qualities to do it.”
United next face Crystal Palace in their preseason where Maguire will once again look to make his mark under Ten Hag.