INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Harry Maguire’s redemption under Erik Ten Hag

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Harry Maguire has had a tough time at Manchester United. The Englishman has been a meme material for football fans around the world. He has been at the center of a lot of criticism during the time he has been in Manchester. Fair to say, fans are not happy with his performances as he has been a liability more than an asset for them. Maguire came with a very heavy price tag and it is certain to say, he has not lived up to the price. Maguire came to light as he was one of the best performers for Leicester City. But there has been a big turnaround in his time under new manager Eric Ten Hag.

This was visible in the 1-0 win against West Ham at Old Trafford. It was a narrow escape for the Red Devils as they saw out a goal lead saved by several saves from De Gea. Between all this, fans saw a different side of Maguire that has been completely absent for a long time. It was a captain’s trait of stepping up for his team when they need him the most. It was his first start at Old Trafford for a long time and it could be seen that he was struggling at first. But as the game went on, Maguire was more comfortable alongside Lisandro Martinez.

But is must be said that West Ham were far more than a cakewalk for Manchester United. David De Gea had to bring out his A-game and produce stunning saves. Moreover, Diogo Dalot was also vital as he made important interceptions. As West Ham kept coming in the box, Maguire was superb at dealing with them. This also includes a stunning block to deny Bowen for the equaliser. With the criticism he has received, it must be said that Maguire was at his best and must be praised for his performance. He has not played in a lot of games for Manchester United but when the moment calls for it, he has delivered.

Where are United headed this season?

Trophies have deceived Manchester United for a long time now. They were a very average mid-table side under Solskjaer. It was not until Ten Hag came that fans believed in a new project for the future. But then comes the question of having an influential figure as big as Cristiano Ronaldo in the dressing room. He has been very underwhelming so far and maybe on the lookout for a January exit.

Ten Hag’s side are currently outside the top 4 this season and to make matters worse, they have drawn Barcelona in the UEL. It might be the end of the European journey for the Red Devils, with Barcelona silently building a monster of their own. They are obviously not in the title race, so domestic cups or the Europa League might be the only pieces of Silverware they target.

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