Erik ten Hag has commended Harry Maguire as a ‘remarkable player’ and encouraged him to disregard the criticism surrounding his performances for both his club and country.
The Manchester United defender faced renewed criticism recently, notably for an unfortunate own-goal he scored shortly after entering the field as a substitute during England’s 3-1 victory over Scotland.
This recurring pattern of scrutiny has become a constant presence in Maguire’s career, to the extent that his family members felt compelled to issue a statement this week condemning the disparagement.
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United’s manager, Ten Hag, has also stepped forward to defend his former captain and offered some guidance on how to rise above the detractors.
When asked about how Harry Maguire was handling the heightened scrutiny surrounding his performance, Ten Hag responded to reporters, saying, “”Good, you see his career, a lot to come, he has to block it by good performances.”
Read Also: Maguire’s Misfortune: England’s Defender Scores Own Goal in Clash Against Scotland”
“I have said many times, it is disrespectful,” the Dutchman said in his press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with Brighton.”
“[He] doesn’t deserve it, he is a great player, gives great performances. It is crazy how it works. Harry has to block this.”
“It is also with the generation, about team construction, the group dynamic and always about the team, that is above everything else but within that everyone plays his role, different characters and you have to manage those characters.”
Maguire may find himself included in the starting lineup for Saturday’s match against Brighton, considering he has only made one appearance as a substitute this season.
The 30-year-old has played just 23 minutes across the first four matches, coming on during the 3-1 defeat against Arsenal in the most recent game.
However, United’s hopes of a starting role for Maguire have been boosted by the injuries to defenders Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Tyrell Malacia, which could necessitate his inclusion.
United is aiming to bounce back to winning form, although they face a formidable challenge against Brighton, who secured all three points at Old Trafford in the same fixture last season.
