Harry Maguire was been warned by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag that he wouldn’t just waltz back into the Red Devils’ back four.
During Gareth Southgate’s team’s run to the World Cup quarterfinals, the £85m center defender put in a number of outstanding displays.
He began every game for the Three Lions, and he and Manchester City star John Stones made an outstanding defensive pairing.
Considering the immense criticism he was facing in the build-up to the tournament, it would be very fair to say he managed to prove a lot of his doubters wrong.
However, that does not mean Ten Hag will automatically grant him a place alongside Raphael Varane or Lisandro Martinez in the backline.
What Ten Hag Said About Maguire
“Only when he doesn’t want to be in these circumstances any more,” Ten Hag said, when asked if there is a chance that Maguire could depart the club.
“Until that moment, I am happy with him.”
“I can only battle this after being asked many times if he is good enough,” Ten Hag added. “It is clear he is good enough to play at the highest level. Then it is up to him to show that confidence on the pitch and he didn’t show that in all the games.
“We want him to bring that back to Manchester with him so he can bring it on the pitch for United.
Ten Hag: “Harry Maguire will have his chance. It’s clear he is good enough to play at highest level”, tells @sistoney67 🔴 #MUFC
“We want Harry to bring same energy as with England on the pitch for Man Utd. If he does that, he will be a great player for us”. pic.twitter.com/1RvM4GZHk4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 12, 2022
“When he is playing with his confidence like now he is a massively important player for us and that is what everyone expects. That’s what Harry expects from himself. He has that high standard, he wants to play at the highest level, he wants to lead the defensive line, so it is up to him.
Trending Stories: Ben White Breaks Silence On Social Media After World Cup
“I’m sure he has the potential to play in our style and fit into our system.
“He had a period in Manchester where he performed badly and then, of course, there are difficulties but when he is confident in himself, he will put that on the pitch.
“When he is working hard you will get that confidence and you are seeing that with the way he was playing for England.
“I expect from him, the team knows what they expect from him. If he does that he will be a great player for us.”
COMMENTS