Ten Hag praises Maguire for his exceptional display against Everton
Manchester United’s head coach, Erik ten Hag, has heaped praises on the club’s captain, for his outstanding performance against Everton over the weekend. According to the coach, he is currently witnessing a “different Maguire,” who is in the best form of his campaign for the club.
Maguire started alongside Lisandro Martinez in the defense line, as Raphael Varane was rested for the match, helping the Red Devils to keep a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory. Despite the centre-back’s rotational role with Varane and Martinez, he displayed an exceptional performance that Ten Hag found commendable.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Ten Hag emphasized the high demand he had on Maguire and how he delivered beyond expectations, “in and out of possession, dominating and dictating.” He also stated that Maguire had transformed from the player he saw in the first weeks and months of the season, taking more initiative, stepping in, and bringing passes.
Maguire’s start against Everton was his sixth in the Premier League this season, as Varane and Martinez are currently ahead of him in the pecking order. However, with the centre-back’s impressive display, there is already a host of speculation surrounding his future, with several clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Leicester City, reportedly keen to sign him this summer.
Maguire, on his part, reiterated the importance of the team’s squad, stating that to be successful, they need more than 11 players, particularly with their active participation in three competitions. The competition for places is high, and the squad has what it takes to cope with the demands they have been put through.
Manchester United is set to face Sevilla in the Europa League quarter-final, with the first leg holding at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.
