"Getting more dominant" - Erik ten Hag praises defender
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag admitted that he is happy with the progress Harry Maguire has made over the last few weeks.
Maguire, the captain of United, has seen his game-time reduced this season with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez ahead of him in the pecking order.
Even after being put on the bench, Maguire has not shown his discontent on the pitch.
Ten Hag has lauded his leadership qualities, both on and off the pitch. He said (via ManUtd.com), “I’m really happy with the progress that Harry is making at this moment.
“He’s more dominant and dictating, he’s taking more initiative on the training pitch and I think also yesterday in the Real Betis game, he showed leadership, especially in those aspects of the initiative and dictating of the game.”
Maguire has been drafted into the side only when Varane or Martinez have been rested or injured. Due to this reason, he has made only 11 starts this campaign.
Multiple times this season, Ten Hag has brought the central defender off the bench in the final few minutes of the game.
Maguire has shown a great example of professionalism, unlike Cristiano Ronaldo who refused the manager to come off the bench against Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the season.
The future of the 30-year-old is still up in the air as he would want to see more playing time rather than just being a squad player.
Considering the robust partnership Varane and Marinez have formed in this campaign, it is very tough for Maguire to find his way back into the preferred XI.
He last featured in the second leg of the Europa League tie against Real Betis. He would be hoping to keep his starting spot against Fulham after a strong performance in Spain.
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