Erik ten Hag STARTS Harry Maguire for Man United against Everton and challenges him to ‘dominate’
‘He has to bring it on the pitch’: Erik ten Hag START Harry Maguire for Man United against Everton and challenges the England star to ‘dominate his opponents’ as he tries to regain his starting spot
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has urged Harry Maguire to ‘dominate his opponents’ after giving the defender a rare start against Everton.
Maguire has struggled for playing time in the Premier League this season, with the likes of Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof ahead of him in the pecking order.
But the United captain is only starting his sixth league game this season after coming on as a substitute for Varane, who was rested against the Toffees.
And Ten Hag has called up Maguire to step up, complaining about the club’s busy schedule this season.
The Dutchman said: ‘He played against Fulham, he played against Vitesse, he plays for England. He’s fit, he’s ready.
Harry Maguire will make his sixth Premier League start of the season against Everton
Maguire is behind Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof in the pecking order
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has called up Maguire to act against Everton
“We have the craziest schedule of any Premier League team, we have three games to play in six days, which is not good, but we have to deal with it.
“Harry Maguire, no matter how the opponent plays, he can deal with all of his opponents. He has to bring it on the pitch, I’ve seen so many things on the training pitch.
“He has to dominate his opponents in and out of possession, that’s his status and his reputation.”
Many of Maguire’s appearances this season have been in the cup competitions, often coming on as a substitute in the league.
Since he was taken out of the starting line-up, the Red Devils have done well in all competitions, rising to fourth in the Premier League, winning the Carabao Cup and putting on a prolific run in the Europa League.
Regular playing time will undoubtedly be important for Maguire as he tries to maintain his place in the England squad ahead of next year’s European Championships.
Maguire will consider his options at the end of the season following a turbulent campaign at Old Trafford, with a permanent departure or loan move being the most likely scenarios.
