Erk ten Hag asserts that Harry Maguire, who has been reinserted into the starting lineup for Manchester United’s FA Cup match against Reading, is the subject of “huge expectations.”
In this week’s cup matches, the Red Devils defeated Nottingham Forest to go to the Carabao Cup final. As games have been coming thick and fast, they’ve had to rotate their lineup, and Ten Hag has turned to Maguire, who has struggled for minutes under him.
Lisandro Martinez’s presence caused Maguire to lose his spot, but Ten Hag has stated that if Maguire had returned from the World Cup in good health and had been given the opportunity to succeed after putting in strong work in practice, he would have played more games.
We must be prepared, he said, which is why we have a solid selection. Harry Maguire has returned. He was ill when he returned from the World Cup, as I previously stated at the pre-game press conference, and he ought to have played a few games. But in order to regain the rhythm, you must play.
He has previously played in some matches, but given the opponent’s height, I believe this is an excellent match for him to come back in. His chances were limited. Each player, though, must choose their opportunities. He is dominating training and doing it extremely well. I want to see him behave in that way. I hold him in high regard because he is a captain and a leader.
“However, Harry is not the only issue. We want to do something as a squad this season, and we want to produce a result. A squad is necessary. In order to succeed, each player must put in his utmost effort.
In the league, Maguire has only made four starts, with the other four coming from the bench. The former Leicester player’s playing time has been constrained since Martinez has established himself in the heart of defense alongside Raphael Varane.
Ten Hag recently refuted claims that Maguire was his fifth-choice center-half, making it clear that the dynamics of the squad are subject to change. “He needs to battle for it, and things can occasionally change very suddenly. I believe he is progressing, and now it is up to him “the Dutchman stated.
Despite playing little at the club level, Maguire was a constant for England at the World Cup. He has long been a favorite of Gareth Southgate, but his lack of match sharpness raised questions about his selection.