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Erik ten Hag insists Harry Maguire DOES have a role to play in Man United’s season, after the club captain made a late cameo appearance in the Carabao Cup final victory… and praises the ‘collective’ celebrations of the red devils team
- The Red Devils emerged victorious over Newcastle after a 2-0 win at Wembley
- Head coach Erik ten Hag praised the role of the United squad players
- He also suggested that Maguire needs to get back in shape to earn a starting job.
Erik ten Hag says Harry Maguire’s role in Manchester United’s Carabao Cup celebrations shows the unity in his team and he backed their captain to play a part in the remainder of the season.
Maguire only came on as an 88th-minute substitute against Newcastle on Sunday and continues to play a secondary role, but he lifted the trophy with Bruno Fernandes and enjoyed the post-match festivities with his team-mates.
When asked about Maguire, Ten Hag said it was up to the players to celebrate the way they did. “It wasn’t my perspective on the celebrations, everyone was involved, everyone was happy,” the United manager said.
“They had the idea that we did it collectively, it wasn’t individual, it was the performance of the entire team, the entire squad.”
Ten Hag insisted that Maguire and all the players will have a role to play in the remainder of the season as United look to add Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League titles to their Carabao Cup success.
Harry Maguire came on in the 88th minute of Man United’s Carabao Cup final victory on Sunday.
United boss Erik ten Hag has insisted the club captain still has a role to play in his season.
“Let’s be clear, we didn’t win it with 11 players, we won it with a team and I think the team, the whole season is very important,” he added.
“Every time players come in, whether it’s for a full game, minutes, a couple of games, also during games we can change the dynamic, we do it with many more than 11 players.
I count on them and I know they will be ready. Every time they play they take responsibility and that’s what it’s about, but you also have to fight for the position. We have great months and great games ahead of us, also for Maguire. When he plays well he can make the team.