Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has defended Harry Maguire, saying the center back isn’t deserving of the severity of the criticism directed at him.
Maguire has long been the target of criticism and abuse from a big portion of the United supporters as well as the larger football community. When England defeated Scotland during the international break, he scored an own goal and was jeered.
Following the match, England manager Gareth Southgate criticized Maguire’s treatment. However, Maguire later emphasized that he does not allow the abuse affect him. Maguire’s mother also sent a statement asking for forgiveness.
Ten Hag vowed to back the “great” 30-year-old after he snatched the captain’s armband from Maguire earlier this summer and moved him down the hierarchy.
“I have said many times that it is disrespectful, [he] doesn’t deserve it, he is a great player, gives great performances,” Ten Hag stated to reporters. “The way it works is bizarre. I need Harry to stop this.
As you can see, he still has a lot of work ahead of him. He needs to put up strong performances. Additionally, it has to do with the current generation. It concerns team building, group dynamics, and the team above all else. However, within the team, each person plays a distinct role, and you must control those characters.”
Before the international break, Maguire made his first appearance for United of the season in the 3-1 loss to Arsenal. He replaced Lisandro Martinez on the bench for the final 20 minutes of the game after Martinez suffered an injury.
Ten Hag has stated that Victor Lindelof and Martinez are both available and fit, therefore it appears he will be starting off the bench against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Along with Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, and midfielder Raphael Varane, the usual starting is still out.
