Erik ten Hag backs Harry Maguire despite poor form: ‘I believe in him’

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Erik ten Hag backs Manchester United captain Harry Maguire despite poor form
Man United will lock horns with local rivals Manchester City on October 2
Maguire will not feature in the squad because of a hamstring injury

Written By:Sayak

Updated: September 30 2022 08:31:20 AM ET Manchester, UK

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag revealed in a press conference that he still has faith in club captain Harry Maguire despite the latter’s poor form since last season. The 29-year-old centre-back suffered another humiliating loss against Italy in the Nations League, which saw England relegated to Tier II of the continental tournament.

Maguire’s performance against Germany was also not promising. In the match, the former Leicester player suffered a hamstring injury besides giving away a penalty to the opposition. As a result of the injury, Maguire will not be able to play in the Manchester derby that is scheduled for October 2, 2022.

Also Read| Harry Maguire suffers 5th career relegation after Italy beat England

In the press conference ahead of the derby, ten Hag said regarding Maguire, “First of all, of course I have to coach him and back him, but I back him because I believe in him”.

He further added, “In the period I worked with him in pre-season he was good, really good in training, and in games I can see the qualities even when he’s not in the team. When he’s trained, the quality was there. You see his career, his caps for England for Leicester and for Manchester United, he performed really well.”

ten Hag also said that the “players, coaches, the manager” believe in Magure and are confident that he can “do it and turn it around”.

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After Raphael Varane’s return from injury and the signing of Argentine centre back Lisandro Martinez from Ajax, Maguire lost his place in United’s playing XI. United lost the two matches that he started- against Brighton in the Premier League and against Real Sociedad in the Europa League. These are the only two matches United have lost this season.

All eyes will be on the Manchester derby on October 2, which will be the first meeting of the two giants of English football this season. While United look promising under ten Hag, City have had a fiery start to their season thanks to the exploits of newly signed striker Erling Haaland.