‘Very good defender’ – Ten Hag backs Maguire to lead depleted Manchester United defence

Erik ten Hag is relying on Harry Maguire to lead his depleted defence into the final weeks of the season.

The England international was heavily linked with a move away to West Ham last summer, only to stay at United and fight for his place. Not only has Maguire done that but he deserves recognition for the way he has turned his career around.

Maguire may have been mocked in the past, but this season he has shown his worth when called upon with United suffering several injury crises’ throughout the season. He did not appear to be in Ten Hag’s long-term plans after being stripped of the captaincy. Now I think he is one of the few defenders I would keep at the club next season.

However, we cannot overlook the fact that Maguire is a regular starter for United due to a defensive injury crisis. There is still a chance he could be offloaded at the end of the season if he decides he wants regular football.

Ten Hag was quizzed about West Ham’s interest in Maguire at Friday’s press conference. He spoke about the defender’s importance and I wouldn’t be surprised if he stayed at the club beyond the current campaign.

“You have to see it in that perspective,” Ten Hag told reporters, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News. “We were always happy with Harry Maguire but he wants to play. He’s a great leader, he’s a very good defender, very comfortable on the ball.

“When I count all of those abilities, just now when we are on our defending line we have our problems, he is even more important to lead that line, to make us play from the back. So we are very pleased he is there and we need him to get our results and achieve our targets.”

Ten Hag added: “It’s very difficult [to keep changing back four]. So everyone who has a little bit of knowledge about football – a little – they know it will affect your results and performances. Back four is always the foundation to get results. We didn’t have that.”

Maguire will start against Bournemouth on Saturday and he is likely to be joined by Willy Kambwala in the heart of United’s defence.